Community members are invited to help support research to end cancer and Parkinson’s disease. It’s almost time for the annual Van Andel Institute’s Purple Community annual 5-K.
“This is the fourth annual Consumers Credit Union Purple Community 5 K. So, we’re really excited to have even more energy than we’ve had before and every year the event continues to grow.”
That’s Ashley Owen, Senior Event Coordinator with VAI Purple Community. She’s says they’re excited about the upcoming run and registration is going on now for the April 28th event. She says they welcome community members and supporters of Van Andel Institute’s research to defeat cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
“Van Andel Institute is a cancer and Parkinsons research institute right here in West Michigan. And whether you just register for event or go the extra mile and collect donations and pledges from friend and family, every single dollar goes back into the labs and into the research. Every dollar could be the dollar that helps us find that better treatment or a cure one day, so every single dollars makes an impact.”
Owen says they partner with Consumers Credit Union and Mary Free Bed YMCA. Last year they moved the event to Cascade Township where it will be held again.
“Cascade Township was so welcoming when we moved the event, so we have a great, fast, flat course that goes into the neighborhood. So it’s a really beautiful experience, lots of the neighbors come out and cheer as they’re walking or running the course.”
You can find more information about the event and registration at Purple community dot org.
