Walk, Jog or Run to Fight Pancreatic Cancer, June 1

SWOCC release – Southwestern Oregon Community College’s Junior Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 6th Annual Bear Claw’s 5K Your Way and Health Fair benefiting the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Beginning at 9 a.m., Saturday, June 2, 2018 the 6th Annual Bear Claw’s 5K Your Way – walk, jog, or run – will take place at Southwestern Oregon Community College located at 1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay. Students, faculty, and community members will gather to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer, and to promote health and fitness in the community. Since the first Bear Claw’s 5K and Health Fair the group has raised over $10,000 for Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Southwestern’s Business Instructor, Jessica Engelke, who lost both her Father, Jim “Bear Claw” Engelke and Grandmother, Eleanor Mateski to Pancreatic Cancer has made a lifelong pledge to continue raising money and awareness towards this deadly disease. Engelke stated that the National Cancer Institute reports that pancreatic cancer is on the rise in the United States and there will be an estimated 55,400 new cases in 2018, with only an 8.5 percent survival rate after five years.  If you would like to learn more about the 5k or inquire about a table at the Health Fair contact Jessica Engelke at 541-297-7263. The Health Fair and registration begin at 9:00 a.m. in Henry Hansen Union Square (the quad). The 5k starts at 10 am. Participation is FREE, $5 suggested donation to The Pancreatic Action Network. For additional information e-mail Jessica.engelke@socc.edu.