Pancreatic cancer foundation to host 5K run, 1-mile walk in Baker
BAKER, La. (WAFB) — The Elvin Howard Sr. Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy Foundation will hold its annual 5K run and 1-mile walk on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 3325 Groom Road in Baker.
Event details
The 5K race begins at 9 a.m., followed by the 1-mile walk at 9:10 a.m. Participants can register online at runsignup.com.
The foundation has hosted the 5K for five years to raise funds and awareness for pancreatic cancer—one of the deadliest forms of the disease, with a five-year survival rate of just 13%.
“It’s a good friends and family day,” said Elvin Howard Jr., founding member and president. “It’s not only a run, but you’re getting information about pancreatic cancer, you’re getting resources, and you’re also getting some exercise.”
Veronica Howard-Sizer, founding member and secretary, noted that the foundation has strong community support for the event, including Baker Mayor Darnell Waites, who has partnered with the organization “probably since our inception.”
“We also have Rose Hill Church right next to the course,” Howard-Sizer said. “So we’re excited about Saturday.”
Foundation background
Howard Jr. shared that his father died from pancreatic cancer in 2006. In response, his mother sought to help other families navigate the challenges and questions that follow a diagnosis, leading to the foundation’s launch in 2018.
The foundation’s goal is to advocate for patients and empower families to advocate for themselves. Its vision is ensuring social determinants of health never become an obstacle to prevention, diagnosis, treatment, or care, with a mission focused on reducing deaths and family hardships through awareness, advocacy, and support.
Symptoms and genetic testing
Spreading awareness remains the foundation’s everyday priority, according to Howard-Sizer.
“Be aware of your body,” Howard-Sizer said. “If you have jaundice, if you have late-onset diabetes—meaning you get diabetes later in life—or persistent back and stomach pain, those can all be indications of pancreatic cancer.”
She also emphasized that family history can play a critical role in determining risk.
“If you have family members who have encountered pancreatic cancer, or even breast cancer, you really should get genetic testing or see your healthcare professional to find out if you carry the BRCA2 gene,” Howard-Sizer said.
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