Several organizations in the Coastal Carolina University community have teamed up to host the Let's Glow T.E.A.L. Walk/Run to support those impacted by ovarian cancer on Sunday, April 14, from 8:15-11:30 p.m. in Spadoni Park on campus. The event is free and open to the public.

The glow in the dark walk/run is sponsored by the Coastal Carolina University track and field team, the cross country team, Delta Sigma Theta sorority and Alpha Delta Pi sorority. It aims to raise awareness for ovarian cancer and unite the members of CCU who have been impacted by the disease.

Participants will follow a two-mile long route around the CCU campus, lit by glow in the dark materials. The event will also include glow activities, music and more.

"We wanted to create a fun, interactive and educational event," said Madison Martin, a member of Alpha Delta Pi.

While the event provides an exciting experience for participants, the inspiration highlights a much deeper story. Last December, the Coastal Carolina University track and field team lost their assistant coach, Dionne Henley, to ovarian cancer. Henley was a two-time Olympian (1992 and 1996) and a beloved member of the CCU family.

"Henley was a very influential part of Coastal's community and touched many students' lives while coaching our track and field team," said Martin. "We hope that our event pays tribute to her legacy by coming together to celebrate life with music, fun and running."

The event was created after the organizations were awarded $8,000 from the Student Government Association (SGA) at CCU. Representatives from the organizations pitched their idea in a format modeled by the hit ABC show "Shark Tank" to five judges. The Let's Glow T.E.A.L. Walk/Run was selected as the winner out of 13 proposals.

"The event allowed us the opportunity to collaborate with Delta Sigma Theta, as well as the Coastal Carolina track and field team," said Martin. "By collaborating, [we were able to produce] a night to have fun, get active and learn more about a disease that impacts so many, but most importantly, celebrate Henley's life."

The walk/run begins in Spadoni Park with stations to paint and decorate apparel and accessories to fit the glowing theme. The path finishes on Prince Lawn where runners and walkers can partake in games, dancing and more activities.

Spadoni Park is located in front of Wheelwright Auditorium at 108 Spadoni Park Circle on the Conway campus. No registration is required to participate in the event.

For more information, contact Martin at mlmarti1@coastal.edu.