The San Rafael-based nonprofit organization, which focuses on research, prevention and education, has been hosting the event since 2002, when Annie Fox, a former ZBC board member, Marin County employee, avid trail runner and breast cancer advocate who died of breast cancer at the age of 35, created it. The event continues to be held in her honor. This 12th annual event also honors Jerry Leith, who died in 2012 of cancer. After Fox’s death, Leith, also an avid runner, carried on her inspiration and assumed a leadership role in coordinating the Dipsea Hike for eight years.
The event has raised more than $250,000 in support of ZBC’s research and educational programs and more than 2,500 people have participated.
“When you join the Zero Breast Cancer volunteer family, you’ll unite with others who have been affected by breast cancer and you’ll help us prevent breast cancer in the next generation,” said ZBC Executive Director Janice Barlow.
Volunteer tasks include: Pre-hike check in of teams and individuals, post-hike check in, set up crew, aid and cheering stations, food stations and post event clean up. For full details and to register as a volunteer, click here. To register to participate in the Dipsea Hike, click here or call Marissa at the Zero Breast Cancer office 415-507-1949, ext 105.
The Dipsea Hike for Zero Breast Cancer is an all ages noncompetitive 6-mile course starting at the Dipsea steps in Mill Valley. Check-in is at 8 a.m., with a 9 a.m. start. This year’s honorary event chair, inspirational speaker and lead hiker is Astronaut Yvonne Cagle, who graduated from Novato High in 1977. Dr. Cagle Yvonne Cagle was a member of the Astronaut Class of 1996. After completing the hike, there will be a celebration in Old Mill Park with food, music, fundraising prizes and a raffle.
Zero Breast Cancer was founded in 1995 and is a community based organization dedicated to prevention and finding the causes of breast cancer through local participation in the scientific research process. They focus on identifying environmental factors and the role they play in breast cancer at all stages of life and across generations. To find out more about Zero Breast Cancer’s work, visit zerobreastcancer.org