Jen Miramontes, far left, attends a Cancer Champions event with other representatives. Photo courtesy of Jen Miramontes

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Paying homage to its roots, the nonprofit Cancer Champions will hold its inaugural Run/Walk in West Sacramento.

Starting at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 14, the inaugural event will take place at River Walk Park, 651 2nd St., West Sacramento to raise money for Cancer Champions, a nonprofit organization that serves as a mentor and support system for those in any stage of their cancer journey.

Jen Miramontes, founder of Cancer Champions, spoke with Messenger Publishing Group about her story and how the run will benefit the cancer community and beyond.

Miramontes’ life was touched by cancer when her mother battled terminal esophageal cancer 20 years ago.

“When she had cancer, my mom decided she wanted to hike the Grand Canyon,” Miramontes said. “To prepare her, we started by going on short walks, then longer walks and so on.” Through that process, Miramontes said she saw her mother’s appetite dramatically improve, as well as her overall quality of life.

Seeing this improvement, even for just a short time, planted the seed for Cancer Champions. In 2015, Miramontes founded Cancer Champions in Yolo County, which has been growing ever since.

Jen Miramontes, right, started Cancer Champions in 2015 in hope to improve the quality of life for cancer patients. Photo courtesy of Jen Miramontes

“Since Cancer Champions started in 2015, we have seen tremendous growth across many factors: in the number of people served, in the depth of resources we are able to offer our community and in the actual size of our organization,” Miramontes said.

She expects further growth following the Sept. 14 event.

Cancer Champions supports those impacted by cancer through personalized fitness, nutrition and mindset guidance. No matter where somebody is on their cancer journey, whether they are currently undergoing treatment, post-treatment or if they are a care partner for somebody battling cancer, Cancer Champions is there to help, according to Miramontes.

“Research has proven time and again that exercise, nutrition, and a positive mindset can help improve quality of life for those battling cancer,” according to the Cancer Champions representative.

What is the run’s purpose?

“The purpose of the run is threefold: to spread awareness, let the cancer community know that Cancer Champions exists and learn who we are and that we are here to support them,” Miramontes said.

“I feel so fortunate to be able to positively impact people’s lives in this way,” she added, calling her role a “blessing and an honor.”

Miramontes said Cancer Champions has a goal of 1,000 attendees at the run but hopes to aim even higher. She encourages community members to participate and emphasized that any participation or donation will positively impact somebody with cancer.

“This is a major fundraiser and we hope to provide new memberships for people,” she said. “Cancer can break people. We will never say no to helping someone on their cancer journey.”

Memberships with Cancer Champions can be gifted and oftentimes are funded by grants. Membership funds go toward private coaching, cancer-fighting recipes, exercise videos, calls with coaches, nutrition plans and more.

According to Miramontes, there will be several restaurants and breweries set up at the event to serve attendees. There will also be a band performing and several guest speakers, one of whom is a current stage 4 lymphoma patient who had his stomach and spleen removed but is still running the 10K.

“The community has been very welcoming and accommodating to host our first annual Walk-Run-Roll and the River Walk Park is a beautiful course for what will be a great day,” Miramontes said.

Jen Miramontes, center, stands with Cancer Champions. Photo courtesy of Jen Miramontes

Proceeds from the Cancer Champions Run/Walk will go to uplifting its current 200-plus members as well as providing resources to new members who seek out their support, according to Miramontes.

Registrants have the choice between completing a 1 mile, a 5K, 10K or virtual participation. The price to participate is $48.70, and $43.40 for those under 18.

Miramontes encourages participants to arrive between 7 and 7:30 a.m. Sept. 14 and expects the event to last until 11 a.m.

To donate or to register, go to https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/WestSacramento/CancerChampions. To learn more about the nonprofit and read member testimonials, visit https://cancerchampions.org.