Brooklyn and Patchogue, NY – April 8, 2005– In an effort to raise awareness for ovarian cancer, St. Joseph’s College has announced that it will sponsor its 2nd annual Ovarian Cancer 5K Walkathon “Footsteps Toward Hope” on April 30, 2005 at the Jones Beach State Park Boardwalk, Field 5, at 9:00 a.m. All proceeds from this event will benefit ovarian cancer research in memory of Marie S. Franck.

S. Suzanne Franck, CSJ, Campus Minister and Assistant Professor of Religious Studies, who has been the driving force of this charitable endeavor, made it her mission to raise awareness for ovarian cancer, the disease that took the life of her mother Marie S. Franck in April 2003. The Franck family is underwriting this event.

“Ovarian cancer is known as the silent killer,” explained Sr. Suzanne, who, along with her four siblings, reached out to the Gilda Radner Familial Ovarian Cancer Registry for educational materials and support for the walkathon. “Our goal is to raise money and promote awareness among the community about ovarian cancer as well as educate them about the warning signs, risks and early detection of the disease,” she said.

Ovarian cancer is the deadliest of all gynecologic cancers, occurring in 1 in 58 women. Dubbed “the disease that whispers,” ovarian cancer is difficult to detect in its beginning stages, because symptoms of early ovarian cancer are often vague and can mimic other common medical problems. All women are at risk for ovarian cancer, but women with a familial history and increased age may be more susceptible to the disease. If detected early and treated properly, survival increases to over 90 percent. However, only 19 percent of all ovarian cancers are found at this early stage.

According to the American Cancer Society, ovarian cancer is the seventh most common cancer among women, excluding non-melanoma skin cancers, and accounts for about 3 percent of all cancers in women. It ranks fourth in cancer deaths among women, accounting for more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be about 22,220 new cases of ovarian cancer in the United States in 2005. About 16,210 women will die of the disease.

The event planners have been working with national companies to secure corporate support, and to date, Poland Spring and Frito Lay have signed on to donate water and snacks.

For information about becoming a sponsor or to register for the walkathon, please contact S. Suzanne Franck at 631-447-2739. Or, register in person on April 30th between 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. All contributions are fully tax-deductible.

Directions to Jones Beach: Meadowbrook Parkway or Wantagh Parkway South to Jones Beach State Park. Follow signs to the Tommy Hilfiger Theater.

About St. Joseph's College

St. Joseph's College has been dedicated to providing a diverse population of students in the New York metropolitan area with an affordable education rooted in the liberal arts tradition since 1916. Independent and coeducational, the College provides a strong academic and value-oriented education at the undergraduate and graduate levels, aiming to prepare each student for a life characterized by integrity, intellectual and spiritual values, social responsibility and service. With campuses located in the Clinton Hill area of Brooklyn and in Patchogue, Long Island, the College offers degrees in 21 majors, special course offerings and certificates, affiliated and pre-professional programs through its School of Arts and Sciences and its School of Adult and Professional Education. Graduate degrees are also offered including an Executive MBA, a Master of Science in Management, and a Master of Arts in Infant/Toddler Early Childhood Special Education.