Colleen Zenk Pinter, Oral Cancer Survivor, “As the World Turns” Star, to Speak and Participate in the Walk with NYU and Columbia Dental Students, Harlem Hospital Center, Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, and Renaissance Health Care Network
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Colleen Zenk Pinter, Oral Cancer Survivor, “As the World Turns” Star, to Speak and Participate in the Walk with NYU and Columbia Dental Students, Harlem Hospital Center, Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, and Renaissance Health Care Network
On Saturday, April 24, 2010, starting at 11am (rain or shine), students from New York University College of Dentistry and from other local chapters of the Student National Dental Association (SNDA), in partnership with the Harlem Hospital Center, the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, NYU, Columbia University, and Renaissance Health Care Network, will lead New York City’s fifth annual Oral Cancer Walk to raise awareness of a disease that kills over 7,000 American men and women each year.
Last spring, the fourth annual NYC Oral Cancer walk was a success, attracting some 700 participants, up from just shy of 300 walkers in 2006, the first year of the walk, and raising nearly $30,000. This year, the goal will be to double both the number of walkers and the funds raised.
The walk is taking place in Harlem to call attention to the fact that oral cancer disproportionately affects African-American men, who have the highest rates of oral cancer in the United States. If detected in its earliest stages, however, oral cancer is easily treated. The key is early detection and prevention. Major risk factors are tobacco and heavy alcohol use.
Free oral cancer screenings and general health screenings will be available throughout the event, and free healthy snacks and beverages will be provided to all walkers.
WHEN& WHERE: Saturday, April 24, 2010 11AM– rain or shine. Registration begins at 9AM at Jackie Robinson Park on West 149th Street & Bradhurst Avenue Welcoming ceremonies begin at 10AM and Walk begins at 11AM. Participants will receive a map of the walk route (approximately four miles) when they register.
WHO: Colleen Zenk Pinter of "As the World Turns,” will speak and participate in the walk. Pre-walk music provided by ARC Gospel Choir, beginning at 10 am.
The first 600 registered walkers will receive free T-shirts with the Oral Cancer Walk logo. All walkers must have at least one sponsor. Walkers are encouraged to seek sponsorship to cover and exceed their registration cost. There will be special prizes for the three walkers or team leaders who raise the most money or have the greatest number of sponsors. Registration details, walker donation forms, and more information are available at www.oralcancerwalknyc.org
About Colleen Zenk Pinter Two-time Emmy Award nominee Colleen Zenk Pinter has played Barbara Ryan on CBS’ As The World Turns since 1978. Zenk Pinter is a national spokesperson for heightened public awareness of oral cancer, and a longtime public health activist on behalf of a wide range of health issues. Zenk Pinter was diagnosed with oral cancer in 2007, and went public with her private battle by partnering with the Oral Cancer Foundation. She convinced As The World Turns to write her cancer into her character's storyline. Hollywood, Health and Society honored her story in 2008. Since her recovery she has lectured on behalf of Yale New Haven Hospital and the Smilow Cancer Hospital.
About New York University College of Dentistry Founded in 1865, New York University College of Dentistry (NYUCD) is the third oldest and the largest dental school in the US, educating more than 8 percent of all dentists. NYUCD has a significant global reach and provides a level of national and international diversity among its students that is unmatched by any other dental school.