ME STRONG 5K on January 31, 2026: Celebrating 15 Years of Fighting Cancer in Florida
- wgclients01
- Jul 15
- 2 min read
The Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation is honored to serve once again as the charitable recipient of the 2026 ME STRONG 5K, celebrating its milestone 15th anniversary as Central Florida’s largest fundraising run supporting local cancer patients. What began in 2011 as a small act of love for cervical cancer patient Linda Ryan (now Emery) has grown into a resounding celebration of more than 6,000 annual participants whose generosity has provided nearly $2.5 million in financial assistance to Floridians battling cancer. Guided by founders Barbara McCallan, Kim Winters, Kathy Guyer, Kim Martin, and Linda Emery, ME STRONG remains rooted in the simple belief that friendship knows no limits.
CONTINUING A TRADITION OF COMPASSION
Long‑time presenting sponsor Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) and community partner The Rotary Clubs of West Volusia will continue to fuel the race’s impact. All event sponsorship dollars are directed entirely to non‑medical financial assistance for cancer patients in Volusia County and Central Florida.
Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation is honored to be the recipient of the funds raised through sponsorships and donations.
LUXURIOUS 7‑DAY CRUISE CHANCE DRAWING
To mark the anniversary year, every registered participant is invited to make a $15 donation per entry for a chance to win an unforgettable 7‑day Holland America Line cruise for two to Alaska, Canada & New England, the Caribbean, or Mexico. 100% of chance‑drawing proceeds will support the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation’s mission. Go to mestrong.net for details.
MAXIMIZING IMPACT FOR LOCAL CANCER PATIENTS
“Reaching the 15‑year mark is a testament to the unwavering spirit of the ME STRONG community," said Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation Board Co‑Chairs Michael Diaz, MD, and Raul Storey, MD. “As this race continues to grow, it will expand our ability to relieve patients’ financial stress so they can focus on healing.”
Victor Melgen, MD, FCS medical oncologist and hematologist in DeLand, added, “Year after year, I witness the tangible difference ME STRONG makes in my patients’ lives. This anniversary race will be our biggest yet, and I encourage everyone to register early and participate in team building and anniversary fundraising to expand the impact we can make.”
Lynn Rasys, Executive Director of the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation, noted, “Registration opens on July 15, 2025 - and in celebration of the 15th anniversary year, registration fees will be ONLY $15 from 6 a.m. until noon on July 15, 2025! The 2025 race generated more than $200,000 for local cancer patients. With the momentum of our 15th year, we aim to surpass that figure and extend hope to even more families.”
There are also a number of additional benefits for sponsors who sign up before October 15, 2025, including special recognition on social media and enhanced signage, as well as bonus race entries. HOW TO PARTICIPATE in ME STRONG 2026:
Race Day: Saturday, January 31, 2026 – Downtown DeLand, FL
Registration: Opens July 15, 2025 at mestrong.net
In celebration of the 15th anniversary year, registration fees will be ONLY $15 from 6 a.m. until noon on July 15, 2025!
Cruise Chance Drawing: Add entries during online registration or in‑person packet pick‑up ($15 per chance; unlimited entries for registrants)
Sponsorships Opportunities Contact: Events@FLCancer.com
Volunteer Opportunities Contact: VolunteerProgram@FLCancer.com