Bismarck Campus Helps Fight Cancer with 'Miles for Smiles' 5K

The run/walk—featuring participants of all ages—has brought in more than $20,000 in donations in the past five years for the Bismarck Cancer Center.

“We didn’t have a goal set [of how much money we wanted to raise]; we just go out every year and try to grow and improve the event,” said Janelle Heinsohn, manager of student records at the Bismarck campus.

Heinsohn started this event in 2010 and chose the Bismarck Cancer Center to receive the donations. At the time, she said there were several people working at the campus that were cancer survivors themselves.

The Bismarck Cancer Center features world-class cancer treatments and support to those being treated through radiation at their facility. The center helps patients with various needs, including lodging, food cost, gas to get to appointments, spiritual treatment and survivorship support.

“It’s a great local facility that helps a lot of people in the city … it was an easy organization to decide to donate to,” Heinsohn said. “It’s a cause that a lot of people here are passionate about. Everybody knows somebody that’s affected by cancer … it touches all sorts of individuals.”

Participants are split into two groups, one for children and one for adults. During the timed runs/walk there are other activities available, including a silent auction, raffle and free chair massages. There is also a representative from the Bismarck Cancer Center available to answer questions and lend support [or whatever they do] and a cancer survivor who speaks to the participants, educating them and sharing their story.

Other campuses are supporting cancer patients and survivors too this year; read about what students, staff and faculty are doing in Ocala.