Photo Flash: Mamma Mia's Matthew Farver Rings NASDAQ Bell For Sloan Kettering

The third annual event will raise funds for Memorial Sloan-Kettering's Cancer Survivorship Initiative, a comprehensive program of research, services, and post-treatment care designed to address the challenges faced by cancer survivors and their families. "Rock & Run will be a great day for people throughout the area to join together to support and honor cancer survivors," said Mary McCabe, RN, MA, director of the Cancer Survivorship Initiative. "There are more than 12 million people in this country living beyond cancer. Memorial Sloan-Kettering is committed to helping patients make the transition from active treatment to survivorship, while promoting a high quality of life for this growing population."

NBC's Dan Abrams will co-chair the Rock & Run post-race celebration for the third consecutive year, along with fashion designer Carmen Marc Valvo. Highlights include live music, lunch, childrens' activities, fitness classes, and a private area for survivors. Thousands of participants from the tri-state area are expected to attend.

Participation in the 2008 Rock & Run event doubled from the previous year, with more than 4,000 runners, walkers, survivors, and supporters in attendance. The goal for the 2009 event is to draw 6,000 participants and raise $1 million.

About the Cancer Survivorship Initiative Memorial Sloan-Kettering's Cancer Survivorship Initiative is a model program providing a full range of comprehensive medical services designed to provide continuity of care, from active treatment through follow-up. It employs a team approach that assures cancer survivors continued access to MSKCC's expertise. This expert care is combined with an array of services, including physical rehabilitation, nutrition counseling, and psychological support, all guided by MSKCC's pioneering clinical research. For more information, visit MSKCC's
Living Beyond Cancer Web site.