More Than 400-mile Victory Walk to Conclude Aug. 14, at Campus Martius

    Sean Shearon raises awareness and donations for breast cancer

research/programs



    DETROIT, Aug. 13 /EMWNews/ -- Sean Shearon wanted to make

a difference and do his part to end cancer, as well as honor the victims

and survivors of this horrific disease. He set a goal of walking 18

marathons in 18 days -- The Victory Walk -- to raise awareness and dollars

for breast cancer research and programs at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer

Institute, in Detroit. He began his journey in Sault Saint Marie, Michigan,

on July 27 and will conclude his Victory Walk Thursday, Aug. 14, at

approximately 6 p.m., at Campus Martius, in Detroit.



    (Logo:

http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071106/KARMANOSCANCERINSTITUTELOGO )



    Shearon, age 43, is a resident of Windsor, Ontario, and teaches at the

Roberto Clemente Learning Academy in southwest Detroit. Shearon's mom Bette

was originally from Michigan and worked many years at the J.L. Hudson's

Company in downtown Detroit. Shearon saw his mom battle breast cancer and

he himself was only 12 years old when he was diagnosed with

rhabdomyosarcoma, a cancer that formed in the soft tissue and muscle of his

shoulder. He underwent extensive chemotherapy and radiation treatments. In

1984, his mother lost her battle with breast cancer.



    "I can't stand by and watch more people go through what my mother and I

went through," said Shearon. "I'm walking to make a statement and to show

that it's not beyond us to do all that we can to raise awareness and funds

for a cure. I challenge everyone in Michigan and elsewhere to join me in

support of cancer research so we can help end this despicable disease."



    Shearon was hoping to raise at least $1 from everyone in Michigan. To

date, approximately $3,200 has been raised in online donations.



    "The Karmanos Cancer Institute is honored to be the recipient of The

Victory Walk," said Nick Karmanos, vice president of development. "Sean

Shearon's commitment in the fight against cancer, specifically to further

breast cancer research and programs that may one day eliminate this

horrendous disease, is unprecedented. Having lost my mother to breast

cancer, it is both personally and professionally gratifying to know that

one person's determination to make a difference can touch so many lives.

Sean's Victory Walk and his compassion to help others sets an example for

all of us."



    Media and the public are invited to cheer Sean on as he concludes his

victorious Victory Walk.



    WHAT: The Victory Walk Finale



    WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 14, at approximately 6 p.m. Brief program at 6:10

p.m.



    WHERE: Campus Martius Park, on Woodward, in downtown Detroit



    WHO: Sean Shearon, cancer survivor and creator of the Victory Walk;

Nick Karmanos, vice president, Development, Karmanos Cancer Institute; and

family, friends and supporters.



    Here are some other Aug. 14 locations where the public can help show

their support and encourage Sean on his victory lap. (Approximate times)



    6 a.m.: Sean will begin his walk going east on 12 Mile near Drake Rd.,

in Farmington Hills, by William Tyndale College



    9:30 a.m.: 12 Mile, just east of Evergreen, in Southfield



    11:30 a.m.: Main Street at 12 Mile, in Royal Oak



    1:15 p.m.: Woodward Ave. south of 9 Mile, in Ferndale



    3 p.m.: Woodward Ave. south of McNichols, in Highland Park



    5:30 p.m.: Woodward in front of the FOX Theatre, in Detroit



    6 p.m.: Approximate arrival time at Campus Martius, in downtown Detroit



    Visit http://www.thevictorywalk.com for more information or to make a

donation.

    About The Victory Walk



    The Victory Walk is dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer

prevention and money for a cure. Thanks to generous donations of services

and supplies, 100% of all money donated will go toward breast cancer

research at the Karmanos Cancer Institute, a nationally recognized cancer

research facility.



    About The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute



    Located in mid-town Detroit, MI, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer

Institute is one of 41 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive

cancer centers in the United States. Caring for more than 6,000 new

patients annually on a budget of $216 million, conducting more than 700

cancer-specific scientific investigation programs and clinical trials, the

Karmanos Cancer Institute is among the nation's best cancer centers.

Through the commitment of 1,000 staff, including nearly 300 faculty

members, and supported by thousands of volunteer and financial donors, the

Institute strives to prevent, detect and eradicate all forms of cancer.

John C. Ruckdeschel, M.D., is the Institute's president and chief executive

officer. For more information call 1-800-KARMANOS or go to

http://www.karmanos.org.