Philly's Sandy Sprint Marks 25 Years Fighting Ovarian Cancer

For 25 years, the Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation has turned grief into action, and this Saturday's Sandy Sprint 5K proved the mission is stronger than ever.

Hundreds of runners of all ages filled Philadelphia's Navy Yard, racing not just for a finish line but for a cure. Near the route, a wall covered in handwritten messages honored mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends lost to ovarian cancer.

Cathy McVey Palmer walked with Team Maureen, honoring two remarkable women: her sister who died nearly 40 years ago and her cousin who passed almost 20 years ago. "Awareness is key," Palmer said. "That's what gets people knowing that we need a cure for this disease."

The event drew people with deeply personal reasons to run. Kathryn McGrath and Karolyn Utheim came to inspire their friend Linda, diagnosed just last year. "I see how inspired she is looking at people that have survived this for 20 years, 15 years," McGrath said. "It's really the thing giving her some strength."

Utheim added that the Sandy Sprint "just shows everyone that if you have the courage and support of others, it gives you extra strength to move forward in the journey."

Why This Inspires

Survivor Denis Vogel represents the hope that drives this community forward. She credits Sandy Rollman with helping carry the message and vows to keep showing up. "I will never stop doing this," Vogel said. "I will crawl over the line every year to help and volunteer."

Her determination matters because ovarian cancer has no screening test, making early detection difficult. Survivors at the event emphasized the importance of listening to your body and getting annual checkups.

Every step taken Saturday served a dual purpose: raising research funds and showing newly diagnosed patients that long-term survival is possible. When someone like Linda sees survivors who've thrived for 15 or 20 years, that visible proof becomes powerful medicine.

The foundation continues expanding its reach, ensuring more women know the subtle symptoms and more researchers have funding to pursue breakthroughs. Each anniversary marks not just years passed, but lives saved and hope sustained.

After a quarter century, the Sandy Sprint keeps growing because its mission remains urgent and its community unshakable.