Sandy Sprint returns this spring to bring hope, action and connection

The Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation recently announced details for the 20th anniversary of their annual Sandy Sprint. Taking place in 2024 on Saturday, April 27, the organization’s annual 5k walk/run will be in full swing beginning at 7:30 a.m. at the Philadelphia Museum of Art — and everyone is invited to join SROCF for a day of action, hope, and connection. 

The foundation was formed by Sandy’s oncology nurse, Robin Cohen, and sister, Adriana Way, 23 years ago after Sandy Rollman passed away from ovarian cancer at the age of 33, according to a news release. Their goal was not only to fund research, but to also create a community where women fighting this disease could come together and connect.

Nearly 20 years of the Sandy Sprint

Four years after the SROFC’s inception, the group held the first Sandy Sprint with 100 participants. Today, the same event sees 3,000 runners and walkers in attendance. 

“I am inspired by every woman’s story and touched by every family’s pain. Women come into our organization through their own journeys and they quickly find others with similar experiences,” Cohen said in a statement. “Together, we turn pain into purpose and hope into action. Together, we’ve built a sisterhood. Together, we’ve built an ovarian cancer movement.” 

As always, this year’s Sprint will include the 5K run/walk, a survivor ceremony, live performances, and much more. The National Anthem will be performed by Suzann Christine and the Philadelphia Boys Choir will be performing “‘I’ll Be There” by The Jackson Five. 

Participation in the experience directly affects the foundation and its mission — to “fight for those who are fighting.” The Sandy Sprint, as the release notes, raises funds to advance research so that ovarian cancer can be more frequently diagnosed in its early stages. It also was created to spread the word about the foundation’s mission, which is “speaking for those who have fallen silent, and providing for those who are working towards the end of ovarian cancer.”

For the past two decades, those who participate in the Sandy Sprint have helped the foundation achieve its mission and, to date, the SROCF has raised over $6 million through fundraising and events to fight for a world without ovarian cancer. 

Both runners and walkers are encouraged to create an online fundraising page after signing up to help spread the word about the event and to reach their fundraising goals. Registration fees come out to be $40 for adults and $30 for children under 12. People can also text “sandysprint” to 50155 to make a donation to the event as well. 

More information on The Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation and the Sandy Sprint can be found online at sandyovarian.org.