2nd Annual Walk for the Goose Benefits Ovarian Cancer Symptom Awareness Organization

Aug. 1, 2011 - PRLog -- CHICAGO, Ill. –  Over 200 participants including the Junior Girl Scouts Troop from Williamsburg Elementary School and Boy Scouts Pack 137, both from Geneva, Illinois, are expected for the 2nd Annual Walk for the Goose in St. Charles, Ill.  The event benefits the Ovarian Cancer Symptom Awareness Organization (OCSA) on Sunday, September 11.  The non profit founded by restaurateurs Susan Roman “The Goose” and Rick Roman, and their friend Vallie Szymanski, is dedicated to educating women, their families and the medical community about the silent symptoms of ovarian cancer so early detection and treatment can be achieved. This event is purposely held during National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month to further along the organization’s message.

Opening ceremonies beginning at 9:30 a.m. will be led by celebrity spokeswoman, actress and playwright, Regina Taylor, who has a personal tie to the cause having lost her mother to the disease.  Dr. Sandy Goldberg, clinical nutritionist, who is also a regular contributor and host of the weekly “Food for Thought” series on NBC5 news and Ask Dr. Sandy on Watch 312.com, will emcee the event along with her online co-host, Scott Mackay. OCSA is partnering with Dr. Goldberg’s organization, A Silver Lining Foundation, which ensures access to treatment options to under-served individuals affected by breast cancer.  Michael Roman, Rick Roman’s brother and an accomplished, amputee race car driver is also an OCSA sponsor who will participate in the event.

Susan lost her mother to ovarian cancer and despite knowing all of the signs and being watchful for them, she is now fighting the disease herself so the OCSA organization’s mission of education and early detection is backed by the passionate commitment of all involved.  Alarmingly, statistics show that ovarian cancer is diagnosed in one of every 55 women and the number one gynecologic cancer killer.

“We’re doing everything we can to ensure our story and the message regarding these deadly symptoms rises to new heights of awareness each day,” said Susan.

She explained that the organization is sharing their mission and message with as many people as possible.  In its first year, OCSA has educated thousands through presentations at association and corporate health fairs, festivals, local medical schools and to future doctors, Bridgestone Retail Operations, Chicago Public Library employees, the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association convention, United Airlines and American Airlines employees, and soon, the group will visit the Harley-Davidson corporate health fair in Milwaukee.

“More than 220,000 women are diagnosed with this cancer every year. In honor of the women who have lost their lives to this disease, to their families and friends, and to those who are battling this disease, we are devoting our energy to education and prevention in order to save lives,” said Denise E. Harvill, chairman of the OCSA board and vice president, Western USA, for Etihad Airways.

OCSA executive director, Vallie Szymanski, is a past United Airlines employee and her ties to the airline industry have built strong partnerships with both United Airlines and American Airlines.  Several of the employees from each will be in attendance for Walk for the Goose while they also come together to show solidarity on the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

Corporate support has poured in including ice from Empire Cooling; hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and picnic supplies from Good Things Come from Sysco; bottled water from Pepsico; and individually packaged cheesecake from Eli’s Cheesecakes. Additional donations and event sponsors are welcome and those interested can contact OCSA’s executive director, Vallie Szymanski at 312-280-0457 or via email at vallie.szymanski@ocsachicago.org for options.

WALK FOR THE GOOSE EVENT FACTS
Date: Sunday, September 11
Time:  8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Registration; Opening Ceremonies 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.;
Walk 10 a.m. – 12 noon; Lunch at 12:30 p.m.
Cost:    $25; Includes lunch, beverages and poop bags for dogs walking with owners. All proceeds will be donated to OCSA.
Where:   The Great Western Trail; 42W346 Retreat Court in The Windings
St. Charles, Illinois
Tickets:   Visit: www.ovariancancersymptomawareness.org

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About OCSA
The Ovarian Cancer Symptom Awareness Organization is a Section 501 (c) (3) charitable organization. Donations to OCSA are deductible as a charitable gift. If you should have any questions concerning tax deductibility, please consult your tax advisor. Follow the accomplishments on Facebook or visit www.ovariancancersymptomawareness.org.