CONTACT: Nadine Dexter
(850) 644-6683

By Ebonee Rudolph
September 2003

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – FSUCares, a medical student organization devoted to local and international medical outreach, issues a challenge to all area runners and walkers to participate in the 2nd Annual FSUCares 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Fun Run on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2003.

The proceeds will support FSUCares and its student members in their mission to offer medical, health education, and counseling services to those who lack access to care. The organization works with local migrant farmers through mobile clinics, conducts preventive screenings at the Homeless Shelter, and assists with a brand-new electronic medical records service with the Apalachee Ridge community.

In the spring of 2004, members will participate in their third annual international medical mission to villages in Panama. The students spend a week providing medical care to local villagers while learning about international medicine and public health, as well as being exposed to a foreign language and culture.

The race is FSUCares’ main fundraiser to help the students provide these services. The expected turnout is more than 200 runners/walkers.

Stefano Bordoli, president of FSUCares, sees this as an exciting way to unite the College of Medicine with other students and community members throughout north Florida.

“With a 5k run and walk, as well as a fun run for all ages, this year’s race will be a community event fit for the entire family,” Bordoli said.

The race will begin at 8 a.m. in front of the Westcott building on Florida State’s campus and finish at Mike Long Track with music, refreshments and free massages to all participants.