In an age of social distancing, ECAN can't host the series of in-person 5K events we planned.

BUT THAT DOESN’T MEAN WE CAN’T COME TOGETHER TO FIGHT ESOPHAGEAL CANCER!

Our 2020 Steps to Save Lives Virtual 5K Run, Walk or Roll will be a fun and effective way to fight Esophageal Cancer.

Even though we won’t be running on the same course – we will be on the same track: 
our efforts will raise awareness and much-needed funding to fuel our quest to reach the day when nobody has to die of Esophageal Cancer!

WHO: Anyone can join – whether you are a runner, jogger, walker, or roller in a chair with wheels. When you register, you’ll have the chance to set up your own fundraising page, with your story and pictures or videos, and all of the support to make your efforts to gain support for the fight against Esophageal Cancer effective. You can even form teams and gather your crew together in this fight! We have prizes for reaching various fundraising milestones and very cool ones for the individual and team that raises the most - including an exclusive gift from our partners at the Estate of Humphrey Bogart!

WHAT: You will run, walk, or roll in your chair to cover 5K (or 3.1 miles). Everyone who registers will receive their event t-shirt, medal, and goody bag through the mail.

Our Virtual 5K allows you to cover that distance at any time from 2 pm EST on Sunday, October 18^th until 10 am EST on Sunday, October 25^th. We will kick off this special week with our online opening ceremonies at 2 pm on Sunday, October 18^th. For competitive runners, we are using an honor system, so you’ll just enter your time through our online form any time from October 18^th – October 25^that 10 am EST. First, second and third place winners will be recognized with medals in both men’s and women’s categories based on age. And the men and women who have the top three times overall will also get special awards. Those winners will be announced during our online closing ceremony at 2 pm EST on Sunday, October 25^th.

WHERE: Any location that is convenient for you!

WHEN: Registration for Steps to Save Lives is now closed. Participants can continue to reach out to raise funds to fuel the fight against Esophageal Cancer until November 15th. To qualify for race awards, you can cover the distance at any time until Sunday, October 25^th at 10 am Eastern - the deadline for all times to be submitted to qualify for competition. That is also the cutoff time we will use in determining our top fundraising awards.

WHY: Because you want to end Esophageal Cancer! You will fuel the fight against this devastating disease with your participation. Every dollar you raise will raise awareness of the link between acid reflux and Esophageal Cancer, promote Early Detection to Prevent Cancer before it Starts, fight for increased funding for medical research to find treatments to prevent, detect, treat and cure Esophageal Cancer. You will also provide trustworthy, useful educational programming and support for patients and families at risk for Esophageal Cancer. If you need some tips on how to be successful in your fundraising efforts, we've got them for you right here!

HOW: By taking Steps to Save Lives! For those who may need a little boost to prepare to go the distance, ECAN has partnered with the folks at Couch to 5K to give you the support you may need. We have week-by-week guidance, an online support community, and a even a special playlist to help you reach peak condition to finish the race!

Join our Closing Ceremony this Sunday, October 25th at 2 pm Eastern on the ECAN Facebook page or register to watch it through Zoom at Closing.StepstoSaveLives.org. We will announce the winners of the 5K - overall Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards for men & women and top three finishers in each age category: 18 & younger, 19 - 29, 30 - 39, 40 - 49, 50 - 59, 60 - 69, and 70 & older. We will also announce the top Individual and Team Fundraisers. Check out the special prizes for our top fundraisers - and for all fundraisers who reach milestones!

Serenity Shanklin

Virtual Steps to Save Lives 2020 supporting Esophageal Cancer Action Network (ECAN)

Virtual Steps to Save Lives 2020

Serenity Shanklin

Virtual Steps to Save Lives 2020 supporting Esophageal Cancer Action Network (ECAN)

Serenity Shanklin's Page

I'm taking Steps to Save Lives!