The Oral Cancer Foundation’s 4th Annual Walk for Awareness took place at Juanita Beach Park in Kirkland, bright and early October 1, 2016 and Fidalab was there as a contributing sponsor–in the name of raising funds to support advocacy, research, and survivors of oral cancer..
The weather cooperated, the early morning rain was light and the skies cleared by walk time, for a determined group of sponsors, dentists, hygienists, oral cancer survivors, friends, and family.
Oral Cancer Foundation’s very own Ingrid Hill was in attendance to start the day’s event. Survivor stories and those of loved ones were shared to inspire walkers. Emcee Troy encouraged walkers to enjoy the photo booth tent filled with silly hats and fun props, before over 200 walkers passed through the maroon and silver balloon arches amid cheers and claps and the encouraging and humorous taunts of Troy and really good walking music.
After three easy miles of walking along a picturesque Kirkland waterfront walkers returned for snacks and beverages and oral cancer screenings provided by event sponsors and volunteer dentists and hygienists.
In addition to introducing the Oral Rinse Collection Kit to event attendees, the Fidalab team also offered complimentary oral HPV screenings, in tandem with the visual screenings to attendees.
The Fidalab team, included co-founders Cheng Xie and Dr. Qinghua Feng, PhD, and Deborah Drake who spent the morning sharing the benefits of the Oral Rinse Collection Kit. Throughout the duration of the event, dentists and hygienists also offered visual screenings using both VelScope and OralID, while Fidalab collected oral rinse samples and asked participants to complete a short survey for a research study.
More about Fidalab: Fidalab develops products and resources to contribute to a reduction of HPV-associated oral cancer incidence through early detection and treatment. In addition to developing non-invasive screening products, they provide patient education, practice support, and continuing education on the value of early detection, and the role preventive screening plays in reducing the incidence of HPV-associated oral cancers.
