Last fall, Lousie Peters found out her best friend, Rachel Lefebvre, was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer, which is the second deadliest cancer. In Lefebvre’s honor, Peters decided to direct the Inaugural 5K Booty Run/ Walk with the help of her daughter. Seventh grader Ashley P. and her friend Ali B. spent their spring breaks doing volunteer work to spread colon cancer awareness.

Peters said she wanted to help her friend through the cancer.

“My best friend’s prognosis is grim but she is fighting with everything she’s got. I wanted to support her and show her that people are fighting with her, and I decided a run in her honor would accomplish this goal,” Peters said.

Ashley said that she did various volunteer work in preparation for the race.

“We sent out sponsorship letters and made stuff to sell at the race so we can raise money for colon cancer awareness,” Ashley said. “Not a lot of people know about colon cancer, so we hope to spread awareness because it’s really dangerous.”

Peters added that the event means showing support to colon cancer patients, and awareness and prevention of the disease.

“It means standing up beside cancer patients and showing them we are fighting with them,” Peters said. “I want to prevent others from feeling the pain of seeing a loved one struggle with colon cancer… seeing a loved one have their life threatened by cancer.”

The Inaugural 5K Booty Run / Walk will take place at Ballard Park on May 17 at 5:30pm. Participants can sign up through runningzone.com.

Peters can be reached at her email address [email protected]. She is still looking for more sponsors and would appreciate any volunteers. On race day there are a dozen different volunteer jobs to help with. Students who volunteer can learn about non-profit organizations, setting up a website and managing it, race management and directorship, and cancer awareness and prevention.