Kickin' Cancer! Organizers Tell Residents to Stay Local During Carmageddon II

Carmageddon II, the closure of the 405 Freeway between the 10 and 110 freeways for necessary construction, impacts the Westside the same weekend as some huge planned events, especially the 11th annual Kickin' Cancer 5K Walk/Run & Family Expo on Sunday, Sept. 30 along San Vicente Boulevard.

Event organizers say the potential transportation snarl won't hinder the spirit of the event, and ask residents to embrace Carmageddon II by staying local and reigistering for the 5K walk/run.

"We have worked very closely with the necessary agencies to ensure a successful and seamless event," said Kimberly Gill, spokeswoman for the Lynne Cohen Foundation for Ovarian Cancer Research, the beneficiary of the annual event. "As a result and with the generous support of our sponsors, partners and individual supporters, overall registration is on pace to surpass our 2011 numbers."

The event was founded 10 years ago to celebrate the life of Brentwood resident Lynne Cohen, who lost her battle with ovarian cancer in 1998 at the age of 53. Her three daughters created the Lynne Cohen Foundation for Ovarian Cancer Research to support research combating ovarian cancer through prevention and early detection. Last year's 5K brought in more than $250,000. Gill said  that since its inception in 2002, Kickin' Cancer! has raised nearly $3 million to support research and preventive care for ovarian and breast cancers

"What started as a day to honor and remember one woman who died of ovarian cancer, has turned into an annual event attracting thousands of like-minded individuals and companies from around the country for one single purpose: to kick cancer," Gill added. "Come join us for this day of hope, inspiration and fun to raise awareness and funds to support life-saving ovarian and breast cancer research and preventive care services. The women and families touched by disease are are counting on us."

The foundation's president, Amy Cohen Epstein, said Kickin' Cancer has been an amazing event for them mainly because it has increased their visibility in the Brentwood community and beyond.

"This family oriented event has allowed so many people living in Brentwood and the surrounding areas to participate in a fun-filled event while raising awareness and funds for a very worth cause," she said.

Alternate driving directions and event parking information is available at http://kickincancer.kintera.org/directionsparking. Carpooling, walking and biking to the event is strongly encouraged and appreciated. Free Bike Valet is available in the Family Expo. All Kickin' Cancer! participants will use the main entrance to the West Los Angeles Veteran's Administration (VA) on Wilshire Boulevard.

For more information on Carmageddon II, click here.

For more information on this year' event details and how to register, click here and view the attached flyer.

For more information on the Lynne Cohen Foundation for Ovarian Cancer Research, click here.