Heaven Can Wait 5K run attracts thousands

Many of you know a family member or friend who’s been diagnosed with breast cancer. On Sunday, more than 4,000 runners in Bend helped raise money for awareness of and to fight the disease that hurts so many.

A swarm of runners took over Drake Park early Sunday morning for the 13th annual Heaven Can Wait 5K, benefiting St. Charles Cancer Center and Sara’s Project, which helps women with education and early mammograms.

The event has been going on for 13 years, raising close to $1 million for the cause over that time.

“For many of the survivors that participate in this event, it’s just this milestone that they have gone beyond treatment and into that survivorship mode, and its just very encouraging for them,” said Allison McCormick, senior director at the cancer center. “For those that are supporting this event, they feel like this is a great opportunity to support the community.”

Runners also had a chance to visit booths for breast cancer education and support services.

The Cancer Center is making some big changes soon. It’s bringing the medical and radiation oncology offices into one new building, expected to be done by next July.

Currently, medical oncology is off the hospital campus.