Photo courtesy of MemorialCare.

The Long Beach community will join together next weekend to show their support of women diagnosed with breast cancer.

The annual Team Spirit Long Beach Breast & Ovarian Cancer 5K/10K, sponsored by Long Beach Memorial and Farmers & Merchants Bank, invites participants to walk or run in support of the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute at MemorialCare Breast Center at Long Beach Memorial, officials said.

“Breast cancer and ovarian cancer affect thousands each year in Long Beach, and the women diagnosed in our community need our support,” said Christine Walker-Bowman, first vice president of Farmers & Merchants Bank. “They are our mothers, wives, sisters, friends, colleagues, neighbors and customers and their plight is real — right here in our backyard.”

MemorialCare has top-notch programs in place to support cancer patients, but still needs the community’s support, said Dr. Homayoon Sanati, medical director of MemorialCare Breast Center.

“There is much to do in cancer risk and preventative programs, support and counseling to patients, survivors and loved ones, as well as the necessary care and clinical support for breast and ovarian cancer patients,” he said. “We have a unique opportunity to lift the spirits of those in need, give them the best medical care available and make a long-term genuine impact for patients, survivors and their families if we align our values and come together as community leaders in support of these critical programs.”

The race will take place Sept. 27 at The Boathouse on the Bay, located at 190 N. Marina Drive., starting at about 8:00AM. To register and for more information, visit click here.