Join us for the 16 Annual Outpacing Melanoma 5K: Get Shady KC! ☀️🕶️
Mark your calendars for Sunday, May 2, 2027, and get ready to “Get Shady KC!” This year, we are stepping up our sun-safety game to protect the skin we’re in. Whether you run, walk, or jog, we are hitting the pavement to raise awareness and vital funds for melanoma prevention and research.
Our 2027 theme is all about celebrating the best ways to block those rays. We’re reminding our KC community that sun protection doesn’t stop at sunscreen. From throwing on your favorite pair of sunglasses to popping open a beach umbrella or seeking out a nice patch of shade during long days outdoors, taking cover is one of the coolest things you can do for your health.
Bring your family, your friends, and your favorite sun gear. Let’s make a difference together—one shaded step at a time!
Every Step of the Way:
We fight melanoma with zest. Every mile you run and every dollar you raise helps fund vital research and increase awareness for prevention and early detection. Your participation, whether you’re running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines, provides refreshing hope for those battling this disease.
When life gives you lemons… peel out and run for the cure!
Melanoma Support Group
Join us for our melanoma support group facilitated by licensed psychologist, Adam Everson, PhD. Our group meets monthly at Turning Point on the second Tuesday from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. Come learn, grow and support one another as part of this group of individuals diagnosed or walking alongside a loved one with melanoma. For more information please contact turningpoint@kumc.edu, or call 913-574-0900.
Our Mission
Outpacing Melanoma Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to funding research for and increasing awareness of melanoma by promoting prevention, screening, and early detection throughout the Kansas City region. Melanoma, often neglected, is the deadliest form of skin cancer. Outpacing Melanoma is dedicated to fighting this disease
– every step of the way.
The purpose of our mission is to support the Richard A. Klover Melanoma Fund, which benefits The University of Kansas Cancer Center and our region.
Consistent with its mission, Outpacing Melanoma has funded and will continue to support the following efforts:
Prevention:
In partnership with the Masonic Cancer Alliance and the Kansas Cancer Partnership, Outpacing Melanoma funds Pool Cool, an evidence-based sun safety education and training program throughout Kansas and western Missouri.
Screening:
Outpacing Melanoma sponsors skin cancer screenings on Melanoma Monday in May and at events across the state.
Education:
Outpacing Melanoma is funding an online program that trains primary care practitioners to better recognize and manage malignant melanoma.
Survivorship:
The Melanoma Survivorship Clinic was launched to address the unique challenges melanoma survivors face.
Clinical Trials:
As an NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Kansas Cancer Center offers the latest clinical trials. Outpacing Melanoma is helping support novel clinical trials in the use of cellular therapy to treat melanoma.
Sponsor Spotlight
Support Us
Proceeds from the annual Outpacing Melanoma 5K Run/Walk support melanoma research and help fund the Melanoma Survivorship Clinic at The University of Kansas Cancer Center through the Richard A. Klover Melanoma Fund.
The Thrivent Choice program gives eligible members of Thrivent Financial the power to recommend where some of Thrivent’s charitable funds are distributed each year, using a vehicle called Choice Dollars®.
Eligible members can direct Choice Dollars to thousands of enrolled 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations nationwide, including Outpacing Melanoma Foundation.
To learn more, visit Thrivent.com/thriventchoice.
Or contact Thrivent at 800-847-4836 and say “Thrivent Choice” when prompted.
A Walk to Remember, Our Loving Tributes
View tributes that have been shared for lost loved ones.
If you would like to honor the memory of a loved one please contact us at outpacingmelanoma@gmail.com.
Survivor SPOTlight
View Survivor stories that have been shared by individuals with melanoma.
Every survivor has a unique story and can help raise awareness for others; and maybe even just as important, can offer hope to someone who is currently dealing with a melanoma diagnosis.
