The Greek Squad at the last ONE run. This year’s event is Saturday, Sept. 24
Lake Highlands resident Elaine Atalis was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2010.
Melissa Flynn, who works with Cancer Support Community says Atalis’ story exemplifies the power of friendship and love when it comes to battling a tough illness.
“She’s had good success, aggressively fighting this for six years, but as you probably know, ovarian cancer is very hard to beat and takes a long fight.”
After learning the importance of support in Atalis’ healing, more than 50 neighborhood moms and a huge tribe of friends and family from Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church — “her Greek extended family is very important to her,” Flynn notes — formed a 5k running team to show support for her at the annual One Run.
“They call themselves The Greek Squad — how awesome is that? And every year of her fight, the group, in customized Greek Squad shirts, runs to honor Elaine.”
Atalis laughingly says there would probably be even more people if the race didn’t fall on the same day as Greek Fest.
The Cancer Support Community’s ONE Run happens Saturday, Sept. 24 at Reverchon Park, 3505 Maple. It starts at 8 a.m., and you can sign up here. The race benefits and celebrates survivors of all types of cancer diagnoses and their families — a big party with music; entertainment; food and a guest appearance from Kidd Kraddick Morning Show’s Big Al Mack and former NBC5 Anchor Deanna Dewberry, also a cancer survivor, follows the 1k walk and 5k run.
Flynn reminds us that September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness month.
This group of supporters shows this community art its best, Flynn says. “And it’s a great time to highlight the lesser known female cancer, ovarian cancer.”
