Come be a part of the Brenda Mehling Cancer Funds biggest and baddest fundraiser!  Join hundreds of supporters at the 11th Annual Brenda Mehling Cancer Fund Fight It! 5K on Saturday, June 2 at Central Park.  Presented by the Junior Chamber International Santa Clarita Valley, the 5K/10K/1K race will take you through the beautiful hills of Central Park.  New this year will be the challenging 10K course. Bring your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and even the dogs as everyone is welcome to this family friendly event.  This year’s race will begin at 7:30 a.m. and is open to walkers and runners of all abilities.  
Registration begins at 7 a.m. with a race start time for the 1K at 7:30 a.m. and 8 a.m. for the 5K/10K.  Fees for the FightIt! 5K are on the website at www.fightit5k.com.  Register now, as prices will increase after May 15.
Participants will enjoy a breakfast as well as many giveaways with their admission.  First through third place winners will be awarded in each 5K/10K age/sex division, along with an overall first through third 5K/10K winner. The 5K and 10K events are measured and officiated by SC Runners, and the top fundraiser overall will also receive an award.
“Making a positive impact in the lives of young people battling cancer is our number one goal,” states President Jenny Ketchepaw.  “We exist solely to lessen the financial burden of those people fighting to live. The people we help are raising young kids, working to provide for their families, going to college, getting married – they are in the middle of what should be some of their happiest moments but these people are fighting to keep it all together and they are hit the hardest. The need is there and it is our mission to fulfill that need.”
Last year’s event had 383 participants, raising over $20,000 for young people fighting cancer. “This event was started by young people for young people right here in the SCV,” states Secretary and co-chair Heather Stewart. “We are a 100 percent volunteer organization whereby the funds we raise go right back to individuals fighting cancer. Secondly, every person involved in the BMCF and on the Fight It! 5K race committee have volunteered their time to help make this event a success. The majority of these people are members of Junior Chamber International SCV and in the same age range (18-40) of the young people we’re trying to help. This stands as a testimony to the spirit of community service among the young adults of the Santa Clarita Valley and why this is such a wonderful place to live, work and volunteer.”
The Brenda Mehling Cancer Fund supports patients ages 18 through 40 who are currently undergoing cancer treatment.   Brenda was diagnosed with breast cancer in her late 20’s.  It was then she realized the health care system did not meet many of the much-needed day-to-day needs of patients throughout their cancer treatments.  Since February, 2001, BMCF has helped 406 recipients providing over $271,500 in support services.  In February of 2004, Brenda lost her second battle against cancer, however BMCF and JCI SCV continue to support the mission to help young adults in treatment maintain self-respect and minimize the stress of associated financial challenges.
To learn more about the BMCF visit www.bmcf.net. For more information about JCI SCV visit www.scvjaycees.com.