Medwatch: Spirit of Survival returning in October

LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The Spirit of Survival is returning after stopping due to the pandemic and wanting to make sure their patients and the community stayed healthy.

For years, the Spirit of Survival brought the community together to raise money for the cancer centers of Southwest Oklahoma. The last in-person race was back in 2019.

While they're getting the event back, Angelia Baker, the co-race director of the Spirit of Survival, said it will look different this year.

"It is still a two-day event," she said. "So Saturday, October 5th, we've got bike tours that are going to leave out Elmer Thomas Park. It's going to be very similar to 2017 and 2018. They're going to go up through Elgin, Fletcher, Cyril, and Sterling, and those take off at eight in the morning."

There will also be a kids' ride around Elmer Thomas Park. Then, on Sunday will be the runs and walks. This year, it's starting at the Cancer Centers of Southwest Oklahoma in Lawton.

"We've got a 5K that's going to take off at 7:30 in the morning," Baker said. "It's going to go through Cameron University campus and then come back around to the cancer center, and then at one in the afternoon we've got a Spirit Walk kinda geared toward patients and survivors, and at two o'clock we've got the kid's bubble run, so lots of exciting activity. We are missing the half and the quarter marathon this year but we're kinda just wanting to dip our toes back in and get everybody reacquainted."

Baker said they've lost sponsors because some are no longer in business while others just weren't able to contribute the same they were able to before COVID.

"We totally understand that," Baker said. "So, we're wanting to put on a good, quality event while still raising money for the cancer center."

She said people can pick up their packets at the cancer center - showing them what they're supporting by participating in the event.

"The money that we raise goes towards clinical trials, patient assistance, and one of our biggest needs - we have a free transportation program. So, no questions asked," Baker said. "It's not based on means, just anybody who needs help to get to their appointments. We have a fleet of cars and volunteer drivers that will take them to and from, so this helps fund that as well as the other two things that I mentioned."

You can register or sponsor by clicking here .