Rodney and Erika McLeod will serve as philanthropic ambassadors for the AACR Runners for Research 5K Run/Walk, which raises funds to support the AACR, its 54,000 members, and the millions affected by cancer worldwide. The annual fundraising event, which will begin at 7:30 a.m. ET Saturday, April 15, starts and ends at the South Concourse of the Orange County Convention Center.

“It’s a great way to get the Annual Meeting started,” said AACR Chief Philanthropic Officer Mitch Stoller. “Not just because it brings everyone together for a worthwhile cause, but also because it’s an activity that promotes prevention and a healthy lifestyle in the name of cancer research.”

The McLeods founded the Change Our Future Foundation to raise awareness and assist in finding a cure for cancer. They are dedicated to ensuring the next generation of leaders, researchers, and advocates have the skills and resources needed to make a difference. They are also committed to supporting the AACR.

Rodney McLeod may be a familiar name to NFL football fans, and Philadelphia Eagles fans in particular (AACR staff included). He was a starting safety in Super Bowl LII, helping the Eagles defeat the New England Patriots 41-33 in February 2018.

The 5K run/walk also features a survivor ambassador, songwriter Terry Jordan. Jordan was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2006, prostate cancer in 2015, and lymphoma in 2021. After the lymphoma diagnosis and the return of his prostate cancer, Jordan dedicated himself to raising awareness of the vital role that “research and hope” play in cancer survival. He will be participating in this 5K shortly after finishing 35 days of radiation.

Online registration for the event is open until 6 p.m. ET Friday, April 14, and it will reopen at 6 a.m. ET Saturday morning. T-shirt and bib pickup is open from 12 to 6 p.m. ET Friday, April 14, in West Lobby EF at the convention center, and again the morning of the event, from 6:30 to 7 a.m. ET at the starting location.

Runners and walkers are encouraged to take part in the 5K, which also needs volunteers in all aspects. For more information and to register, donate, or support the event, or to sign up to be a volunteer, visit www.aacr.org/5k.

Proceeds raised from the AACR Runners for Research 5K Run/Walk will be used to advance research progress for the millions affected by cancer worldwide.