Goldie: An oral cancer awareness 5K race and a tribute to Dr. Esther Wilkins

By Maria Perno Goldie, RDH, MS, with Lana Crawford, RDH, BS

A dear friend of mine, Lana Crawford, RDH, BS, had a cousin who died from complications of oral cancer, so she is very motivated to get the word out about prevention and early detection of this devastating disease. She and her husband are involved in an upcoming Oral Cancer Awareness 5K walk and run.

The second annual Oral Cancer Awareness 5K Walk & Run will take place at Bachman Lake in Dallas at the Pavilion located on the north side, off of Northwest Highway, on Saturday, April 15. The family-friendly, fundraising event is organized this year by Ed Brown, a local man who was diagnosed with oral cancer in 2003.

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation’s (OCF) press release, the 5K will raise money for the OCF’s research, awareness, and support initiatives.(1) There will be guest speakers, face painting for the children, a silent auction, and raffle drawings. Oral cancer screenings by local dentists and dental hygienists will be available at no charge. Registration and pre-race activities will begin at 8 a.m., and the walk/run will start at 10 a.m. Click here for a copy of the letter of information, and here for sponsorship information.

Those attending are encouraged to build teams. The person who raises the most money, over $2,000, will get the choice of an iPad mini, a Vitamix, or a $500 Visa gift card. The dental team that raises the most money over $2,000 will win a VELscope oral cancer screening device for their office. If you are in the Dallas area, join the crowd!

Lana Crawford, RDH, BS (pictured at right) was also a dear friend of Dr. Esther Wilkins. She produced a beautiful tribute video which is touching and moving. It can be viewed here. The “The 100 poster” at the end of the video was made by Lana for Esther, and Esther received it just before her birthday.

Kudos to Lana, who travels the world attending dental hygiene meetings. I think I have seen Lana more in other countries than in the USA! Like Esther Wilkins, Lana is an inspiration to all, a mentor of students, a passionate dental hygienist, and an ultimate professional. Her quote is perfect: “To continue to grow the profession, is to become a member and work together. The strength of our unity as a group is our future.”

I agree, Lana, 100%.

Maria Perno Goldie, RDH, MS is co-founder of the International Dental Hygiene Educator’s Forum, and co-editor of the textbook Dental Hygiene: Applications to Clinical Practice. She was President of ADHA 1997-98 and President of the IFDH 2010-2013. She can be reached at: [email protected].

Reference

1. http://oralcancerfoundation.org/.