CHICAGO – As runners begin to sign up for the 2010 Chicago Marathon, clinicians, patients and supporters of Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s Prentice Women’s Hospital want entrants to know that there is a new charity on the docket – Friends of Prentice. For the first time, runners can now dedicate their 26.2 mile race to support life-saving research, programs and educational opportunities to further women’s health.

Friends of Prentice, the official fundraising board of Prentice Women’s Hospital is the first and only Northwestern Memorial philanthropic organization to be associated with the Chicago Marathon.

“Whether you’re running in honor of a loved one, to celebrate your own personal health or another reason, we can join forces for a great cause,” said Trina Gordon McCallister, president of the Friends of Prentice Board. “By running together, we can make a great contribution to advancing medicine in the area of women’s health.”

Northwestern Memorial obstetrician and gynecologist Julie Levitt, MD is running the marathon in honor of the moms and babies she cares for each day. “Running a marathon on behalf of a charity is a wonderful experience,” says Levitt. “The support, motivation and camaraderie of the group throughout training and on race day is invaluable.”

Members of the Run for Prentice team will have access to a 16-week training program, running gear, access to a panel of medical experts from Northwestern Memorial, social events and additional incentives based on fundraising levels. Charity runners can commit to raise a minimum of either $500 or $1000. All of the funds raised will be used to support Friends of Prentice grant initiatives, which include research and programs in the field of gynecologic oncology advancements in robotic surgery and more.

Friends of Prentice has supported women’s health initiatives for nearly 25 years by raising money for critical issues including bringing high risk pregnancies to term successfully, advancing research in women’s cancers, and providing ongoing patient and physician education.

For more information on runner benefits and the Run for Prentice 2010 Marathon Campaign, visit http://foundation.nmh.org/RunforPrentice or call Kristin Clark, Friends of Prentice Chicago Marathon Manager, at 312-926-4530.
###