ROCKINGHAM – The Mayo Clinic describes Lymphoma as a cancer of the lymphatic system, which is part of the body's germ-fighting network. The lymphatic system includes the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus gland and bone marrow. Lymphoma can affect all those areas as well as other organs throughout the body.
According to the Lymphoma Research Foundation, it is the nation’s largest non-profit organization devoted to funding innovative lymphoma research and providing people with lymphoma and healthcare professionals with up-to-date education about this type of cancer. Its mission is to ‘eradicate lymphoma and serve those touched by this disease.’
Family Video Stores across the country and right here in Rockingham will be raising money for the Lymphoma Research Foundation, in hopes of finding a cure. Becky Myers Montanez, Manager at Family Video in Rockingham, is excited that Family Video is raising money for the Foundation. In fact, she states that Family Video has been raising money for the Lymphoma Research Foundation for six years and raised over $6.8 million.
Montanez stated that Family Video started out just having customers round up their change to the nearest dollar with their ‘Round It Up for Lymphoma’ campaign. “Since then the campaign has become so much more than that with raffles, donations, festivals, runs, bake sales, and much more.”
According to Montanez, the company has helped open the Hoogland Lymphoma Biobank in 2013 through the support efforts. She stated, “This biobank at the University of Chicago Medicine helps researchers to find a cure and kick cancer’s butt!”
The campaign will run from March 9-25. There will be various events, raffles and poster auctions. To kick off the campaign, a bake sale will be held March 9-11. On March 17, Family Video will be having a ‘Green Run for Lymphoma’ where runners come dressed in all the green they can and run to help find a cure. On March 24, the Easter Bunny will be at Family Video, along with some fun games and activities.
Montanez stated, “The best thing about all of these events is that 100% of customer donations go to the Lymphoma Research Foundation.” All promotional and administrative expenses associated with the campaign are underwritten by Family Video.
The First Annual Green Run for Lymphoma 5K will be on March 17 at Hitchcock Creek. It is sponsored by LMO Rentals, Lowe’s, Walmart and others. Registration is at 8 a.m. and Run time is at 9 a.m. Early registration can be completed at Family Video, 1326 Fayetteville Road, Rockingham from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. See flyer below for more details.
