Stater Bros. Charities and Inland Women Fighting Cancer Bring 3rd Annual Believe Walk to Downtown Redlands

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, and about one in two men and one out of every three women will get a cancer diagnosis at some point in their life.  That means that in the Inland Empire, with a population of about four million, well over a million individuals can expect someday to receive a cancer diagnosis.

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Because of this, Inland Women Fighting Cancer (IWFC) was created by a coalition of local Community Leaders, Annie Sellas, Cathy Stockton, and Nancy Varner, to fight cancer in the local community, and they are teaming up with Stater Bros. Charities once again on Sunday, October 3rd to present the 3rd Annual Believe Walk. Community groups, families, local businesses, volunteers, runners, walkers and their pets are all encouraged to participate in the 5K / 10K walk through the streets of Historic Downtown Redlands.  

"Last year's turnout was amazing with over 6,000 walkers, and this year we are expecting to have even more supporters," said Nancy Varner, Co-Founder of Inland Women Fighting Cancer Committee. "It's so exciting to see how all aspects of the community have come together for one cause, to fight cancer."

The Walk will begin in Redlands, California at Orange and State Streets, where several of the downtown shops will be open and ready for business.  Registration opens at 7 a.m. with an expected turnout of more than 6,000 walkers.  Individual Registration is $30, 3-12 years old is $10 and under 3 is free.  Participants are encouraged to register online at  www.BelieveIE.com. There is an additional $10 registration fee on the day of the event.  Walkers will also have the opportunity to do either a 5K or 10K route that was created by the local mapping business Esri.  Dogs are also encouraged to attend.  There will be a "Bark and Believe" check-in booth sponsored by Varner & Brandt LLP, where owners will be given doggy goody bags and have an opportunity for a photo with Lassie!

"This small town event has evolved into a community celebration," said Jack H. Brown, Chairman and CEO of Stater Bros. Supermarkets.  "Everyone is affected by cancer at some point in their lives, and it's amazing to see how our community, the Inland Empire, has stepped up to the plate to do something about it."

Cheer Squads from the local area will be on the route to raise the spirit level and encourage walkers as they make the trek to the finish line at the Redlands Bowl, while Girl Scouts, high school bands and other community groups will hand out goodies to Walkers along the route.  Those taking the extended 10K route will have the benefit of walking through the University of Redlands campus where they will be greeted by the U of R's Jazz Band and service clubs.  

At the end of the Walk, participants will celebrate at the Believe Bash located at the Redlands Bowl.  More than 50 vendors will be at the Bash with lots of food and free items for the participants.  In addition, this year a Kids Zone will be offered with face painters, balloon makers and a large slide for the kids.  A memorial area called the Believe Garden has also been designated to honor loved ones affected by Cancer.  

"The Walk is for everyone in the community, families, businesses, community leaders, and cancer survivors and for those who wish to walk in memory of loved ones who have passed.  We want everyone to participate," said Cathy Stockton, Co-Founder of Inland Women Fighting Cancer.  "During these hard times it's imperative that our community fights the fight together."

To find out more about this event contact Vicky Armstrong at (909) 771-9224 or Sarah Cain, Executive Director for Stater Bros. Charities at 909-733-5495.

SOURCE Stater Bros. Charities