Source: Long Island Exchange
Author: Staff

(Hicksville, N.Y.) Serena Ahne and Lisa Leone, of Long Island, are friends whose fathers are both cancer survivors; Fred Ahne, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2008 and Fred Leone, who was diagnosed with oral cancer in 2003. Both girls looked for a way to educate others about the diseases from which their fathers suffered and the answer is the first annual Fred K’s Cancer Event, being held on June 20th in Cantiague Park in Hicksville, NY.  Serena and Lisa, otherwise known as the Traveling Baseball Babes, due to their avid love of New York sports, will be joined by their fathers, family members, friends and supporters, on Father’s Day, as they walk in honor of their dads and all those who have fought oral and testicular cancer. All funds raised from this inaugural event will go to the Oral Cancer Foundation and the Sean Kimerling Testicular Cancer Foundation, to help educate others about the importance of prevention and early detection through self-examinations and check-ups.

The walk, which will include the two miles of the Cantiague Park’s Fitness Trail in Hicksville, NY, will take place on June 20th from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, with registration beginning at 8:00 AM. Participants are encouraged to fundraise before the day of the event, by gathering others to sponsor them in the walk, to help Lisa and Serena reach their fundraising goal of $2,000.

Approximately 35,000 people in the U.S. will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer in 2010, which includes mouth cancer, tongue cancer and throat cancer. The Oral Cancer Foundation is a national public service, non-profit entity designed to reduce suffering and save lives through prevention, education, research, advocacy, and support activities. Check out www.oralcancerfoundation.org to learn more about risk factors, signs and symptoms, treatments, current research and up-to-date oral cancer related news, among other important information. A FREE patient/survivor discussion forum is also open to the public, where those currently fighting oral cancer can gain insights and inspiration from those who have been there before them.

The Sean Kimerling Testicular Cancer Foundation is dedicated to raising public awareness about testicular cancer and the importance of self-examination. The Foundation’s goal is to increase early detection of testicular cancer. They seek to ensure that young men are aware of the disease and have the information they need to conduct regular self-examinations, recognize possible warning signs, and seek medical help without embarrassment or fear of stigmatization. The Foundation was established in memory of Sean Kimerling, the Emmy Award-winning anchor of WPIX 11 sports and pre-game announcer for the Mets, who died from testicular cancer on September 9, 2003. For more information, go to www.seankimerling.org.

For more information on participating in Fred K’s Cancer event on June 20th, contact Serena Ahne and Lisa Leone at [email protected] or visit www.fredkscancer.blogspot.com to read more about Lisa and Serena’s story.