By AMY JONES / Associate Editor

GREYSTONE — It has been more than 10 years since local television anchor Brenda Ladun was first diagnosed with breast cancer. Although she is now cancer-free, she continues her fight against cancer in many ways, including the annual Brenda Ladun Conquer Cancer Run.

This year’s 5k run is set for March 3 at 8 a.m. at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen off of Alabama 119. It is $25 per person to pre-register for the 5k walk/run at 8 a.m. and $25 per person to pre-register for a 1-mile fun run beginning at 9 a.m.

American Cancer Society Community Representative Mary Frances Colley said Ladun continues to work with the American Cancer Society because she wants to give back to the community, which worked hard to support her after her cancer diagnosis.

“(Ladun) now feels connected with anyone who has had a cancer battle, either personally or in their family, and is so glad we’re all in this together,” Colley said. “She would like to be able to announce on the news one day there is a cure for cancer.”

Colley said exercise and faith helped Ladun get through her battle with cancer.

“She wanted to encourage others that, just because they are sick, it doesn’t mean they can’t get out and live life,” Colley said. “The Brenda Ladun Conquer Cancer run is one concerted effort that can really make a difference and help ACS reach our ultimate goal of finding a cure.”

Colley said run organizers are hoping to raise more than $70,000 for the American Cancer Society of Birmingham with this year’s event.

Last year’s event raised close to $70,000, Colley said.

“We are hoping for 1,000 participants this year, up from 800 last year, with the move to warmer weather in March and scaling down from an 8k to a 5k,” Colley said.

She said participants will run a road course through the Greystone community. There will be several food vendors available, including Taziki’s, Texas Roadhouse, Panera Bread, Publix, Chick-Fil-A, Zaxby’s, Royal Cup Coffee, Magic Muffin, Krispy Kreme and Edgar’s Bakery, among others.