WVSOM Features Pink Treadmill

Logging miles on the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine's new pink treadmill will rack up money for breast cancer research.

WVSOM is the first facility in the state of West Virginia to support breast cancer research with the treadmill, which was purchased from Cybex, a leading manufacturer in exercise equipment.

WVSOM President Michael Adelman, D.O., J.D., said he is pleased that the medical school is involved in the third annual Pink Ribbon Run campaign.

"WVSOM is very excited to be the first in the state to have this pink treadmill and participate in the annual Pink Ribbon Run campaign," he said. "It is always important to support breast cancer research and work toward finding a cure."

A Pink Ribbon Run kick-off event, including a ribbon-cutting ceremony, is planned for 3:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 3 at the Founders' Activity Center.

Cybex will donate 10 cents for every mile logged on the treadmill to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation during October. The school's goal is to raise $10,000.

In order to maximize the miles logged, teams of students, faculty, staff and the Robert C. Byrd Clinic staff were formed. Teams choose various U.S. cities as destinations for motivation to reach their goals.

Money will also be raised for Susan G. Komen for the Cure by raffling a gift basket filled with breast cancer awareness items. Pink arm bracelets will also be sold.

Meg McKeon, assistant vice president for student development, said she is happy about the school's upcoming contributions to cancer research.

"As a medical school it made perfect sense for us to participate and support research efforts to find a cure for breast cancer," she said. "Combining the fundraising effort with an exercise program is a great benefit to the individuals participating as well as the fight against breast cancer."

October is national Breast Cancer Awareness month. According to the American Cancer Society, one out of eight women, or 12 percent, develop breast cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women.