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Media Relations: Mercy News Archive

The 2nd Annual “Heat-It-To-Beat-It” Walk/Run To Benefit Cancer Research Raises In Excess Of $110,000

On Sunday, Sept. 18th, 765 participants gathered to take part in Mercy Medical Center’s 2nd annual “Heat-It-To-Beat-It” 2.8 mile-walk/run at Rash Field. This number marked a 35% increase in participation over 2010.

Those on hand enjoyed fun activities for all ages, including children’s games, nutrition consultations, mini-massages, acupuncture, and ZUMBA! The event raised more than $110,000 to combat abdominal cancers, including Peritoneal Carcinomatosis.

Peritoneal Carcinomatosis is a common and complex presentation of a variety of cancers of the abdominal cavity. The cause of this cancer can originate from tumors of the appendix, colon, rectum, ovary, stomach, and small bowel, and from primary peritoneal tumors and mesothelioma.

Dr. Armando Sardi, director of the Institute for Cancer Care, and Dr. Vadim Gushchin, director of Gastrointestinal Oncology at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland, are specialists in the treatment protocol for patients with this disease, using Hyperthermic (Heated) Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) – hence, “Heat it to Beat It”!

For many patients, this is the only chance for long-term survival. Although there have been many scientific reports showing the benefit of this treatment, there is a lack of awareness about the disease and patients often struggle to be correctly diagnosed and treated.

Proceeds from this event will support research conducted by Dr. Sardi and Dr. Gushchin and their colleagues at Mercy, whose work helps to provide scientifically proven treatments for patients with Peritoneal Carcinomatosis world-wide.

The 2011 Heat-It-To-Beat-It Event Committee included 11 highly engaged patients and family members who met monthly to plan the event and reception. Several Mercy staff attended committee meetings on a regular basis and provided volunteer assistance on the day of the event. At the walk, 30 patients, family members and friends volunteered their assistance. Patients of Dr. Armando Sardi and Dr. Vadim Gushchin participated in the event.

More than 50 teams raised money, with 18 teams raising $1,000 or more. The largest amount raised by a team was $7,282. The largest amount raised by an individual was $5,898.

In-Kind donations included:

• Balloon Archway
• Food and water
• Signage (for nominal fee)
• Games and activities
• Photography
• Prizes
• Tent, tables and chair rental
• 15 silent auction items

Participants came from all over the country, including:

• Arizona
• California
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• District of Columbia
• Florida
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• North Carolina
• New Jersey
• New York
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin

To learn more, visit: www.heat-it.org