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Rock ’N Run

Co-Founder & Event Director

Fight N’ Heal. Pink N’ Teal.

500+ participants · $750K+ raised

After my mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, I co-founded Rock ’N Run with her in response to a gap we experienced firsthand: a lack of accessible education around breast and ovarian cancer risk, testing and prevention. We set out to transform fear into agency, giving our Miami community the information, resources and support to take a more active role in their health.

We also reimagined what a charity 5K could feel like. Instead of making the race the entire experience, we built a day around it, with a dance class, music, health education and partner activations designed to make advocacy feel as engaging and communal as it was purposeful.

A large crowd of Rock N Run participants in race bibs and pink, white and black shirts gathered under palm trees at the start

NOT EVERYONE WANTS TO RUN A 5K.

Adding a dance class broadened participation, giving people a way to join in without having to run the race.

A dance instructor in a grey shirt and pink knee socks mid-move on stage beside a Rock N Run banner and pink and teal balloons

A gym full of participants in Rock N Run shirts following a dance class together

A bright pink Miami Cancer Institute mobile mammography truck parked on grass, reading Mammograms Save Lives — On-site mammograms.

AWARENESS YOU COULD ACT ON.

On-site screenings, expert-led programming and resources from leading cancer organizations gave participants tangible ways to become more proactive about their health.

Participating organizations included Miami Cancer Institute, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance and Cancer Link.

Miami Cancer Institute flyer for a panel discussion titled Fight N Heal Pink N Teal: A Look at Breast and Ovarian Cancer, Friday, October 8, 11:30 a.m. on Zoom — Breast + ovarian cancer panel.

Miami Herald article headlined Ovarian cancer survivor ready to Rock N Run to help stamp out disease, by Christina Mayo, September 26, 2018, with a photo of runners at the start line beside a mascot — Rock ’N Run in the *Miami Herald*.

BUILT FOR PARTICIPATION.

Stretching and recovery, photo moments, giveaways and personal dedications brought moments of play, connection and remembrance into the day, with space to celebrate survivors and honor those who had passed.

A green hedge wall photo backdrop reading IN PURSUIT OF YOUR CURE with breast cancer in pink script, above a pink carpet flanked by potted palms — Photo moment for attendees.

Stretch Zone specialists giving free assisted stretches on massage tables beneath a Rock N Run tent — Stretch Zone recovery station.

Miami Cancer Institute goodies.