The University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center (UNMCCC) will host its Lobo Cancer Challenge on Saturday, Sept. 23, at University Stadium in Albuquerque. The event is the center’s annual fundraiser featuring a 5K Run/Walk and 25-, 50- and 100-mile Bike Routes, among other challenges.
“The Lobo Cancer Challenge is a community event to support patient care, cancer research, community outreach and education and training at the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center,” Michele Sequeira, senior marketing representative of UNMCCC, recently told the New Mexico Sun. “Thanks to our generous sponsors, 100% of the funds raised by our Challengers go directly to their choice of program.”
UNMCCC is the only cancer center in the New Mexico region designated by the National Cancer Institute as a comprehensive cancer center, which means it is in the top 3% of all cancer centers in the U.S., according to the Lobo Cancer Challenge website. It is the only facility in the state that offers chemotherapy, radiation therapy, clinical trials, cancer surgery, cancer genetic counseling, supportive care and an onsite pharmacy all in the same building.
“This fundraising event helps us to deliver the best cancer care in the world,” Sequeira said. “We are deeply grateful to our community for their tremendous support in helping all New Mexicans facing cancer.”
Home to New Mexico’s largest team of cancer specialists, UNMCCC has more than 140 oncology physicians from institutions such as MD Anderson, Johns Hopkins and the Mayo Clinic, representing all cancer specialties; according to the Cancer Challenge website. In addition, they have 100 research scientists on their team from schools around the country who are known for advanced research in leukemia, genomics, nanotechnology, drug discovery and radioisotopes. The scientists bring their findings to the Cancer Center, enabling oncology physicians to bring cancer patients the most up-to-date treatment.
For more information about the Lobo Cancer Challenge, visit lobocancerchallenge.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=510. For more information on UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center, visit hsc.unm.edu.