Saturday mornings on Emory University’s Atlanta campus are often quiet — however, at 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 4, more than 4,000 people gathered at the starting line of the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University’s 15th annual 5K. For a second time, the event was sold out at full capacity, raising over $1.3 million and surpassing the institute’s fundraising goal for cancer research and care.
The Winship Institute is Georgia’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Since the inaugural race in 2011, the event has raised over $11.4 million toward innovative cancer research.
Dr. Suresh Ramalingam, the executive director of Winship Cancer Institute, is also a professor in the Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology at the Emory University School of Medicine. Internationally renowned for his work in thoracic oncology, Ramalingam said it is important to raise community awareness to support the institute’s work amid federal funding uncertainties.
“Federal funding for biomedical research is not growing,” Ramalingam said. “Support from the communities is crucial for us to sustain and grow our ability to find cures for cancer.”
Ramalingam said that the successful fundraising efforts will not only help the operations of the Winship Institute but also offer solutions and support for patients in the future.
“That’s why we do this,” Ramalingam said. “This is also an occasion for us to celebrate those who are fighting hard against cancer, the survivors, the family members, and, unfortunately, those who are no longer with us. This is a time to remember them.”
Beyond the organizers and researchers, the runners themselves play a vital role in sustaining the Winship Institute. Many participants had a deeply personal connection to supporting cancer research, and used the race as a chance to honor loved ones, celebrate survivorship and contribute to life-saving research.
Rebecca Lancaster is a tongue cancer survivor and was treated at the Winship Institute in 2023. After running the race virtually the first time, this year, Lancaster came to run with her team of family members, friends and others who were inspired by her story.
“It’s really exciting,” Lancaster said. “I’m really happy that I got as many people as I could for my team. I have family, friends and I have people who have just heard my story and want to run with me, so it’s very fun.”
Many Emory students also participated in the 5K. Elena Charria (25Ox, 27C) said she missed the opportunity to participate last year, but was excited to be part of the atmosphere this year.
“Everybody’s having a good time,” Charria said. “There’s so much energy. It’s good to see that everybody’s coming together for the same cause and raise awareness.”
Russell Souter was a patient treated at Winship for Type III colorectal cancer in 2024. He said he participated in the 5K to give back to those at Winship who cared for him and supported him during his treatment.
“They looked after me, they took care of all my needs and everything. I thought it was a great way to raise money to give back,” Souter said. “It’s amazing what they do down there, and I really wanted to make sure I give back.”
Tracy McAllister shares a personal connection to Winship as well, as it is where her husband received treatment for brain cancer. She attended the race as a way to celebrate her husband, and said she has a deep commitment to raising awareness and funding for brain cancer research.
“Brain cancer lost all of its funding earlier this year when the administration changed over, so our whole theme this year is get loud for brain cancer,” McAllister said. “We need awareness for brain cancer because it is not prioritized the way it should be.”
While McAllister acknowledged the many difficulties of finding cures for cancer, she said it takes everyone to make a change.
“It does feel like we’re pushing a rock uphill,” McAllister said. “We can do it, but it’s going to take all of us coming together.”
