AU Diamond Dolls to hold 5K

On Saturday. April 2, 2011, the Auburn University Diamond Dolls will be hosting the third annual 5K race being held in honor of Mary-Louise Pawlowski, daughter of Auburn’s head baseball coach John Pawlowski.

In 2007, Mary-Louise Pawlowski was diagnosed with a rare form of childhood cancer, PNET (primitive neuroectodermal tumors), a rare malignancy seen in only two percent of children with cancer.

Coach Pawlowski, a marathon runner, developed a fundraiser for the new MLP (Mary-Louise Pawlawski) foundation through various long-distance running events such as the “Strike Out Cancer 5K” race around Auburn’s historic and beautiful campus.

The MLP Foundation is a non-profit organization setup to support cancer research and to help defray medical related expenses. Mary-Louise specifically chose the East Alabama Medical Center to generously donate a portion of the proceeds from the race.

Lindsey Miller, a junior from Dawsonville, Georgia studying Communication Disorders, is the President of Auburn University’s Diamond Dolls for the 2010-2011 season. “This will be our third Strike Out Cancer 5K in honor of our head baseball coach's daughter, Mary Louise, and the Diamond Dolls have raised about 12,000 dollars since we first started, so we hope this year we can raise even more,” says Miller.

From “MLP Wristbands” sported in Mary-Louise’s favorite purple color, to restaurant nights and 5k runs, the playbook of life is battling cancer head on.

With more than 70 Diamond Dolls representing Auburn’s Baseball team, other campus motivators will such as Aubie and the coaching staff will be participating in the race. “I love that the Diamond Dolls make a difference at baseball games and in the community. A lot of people think we just go to games and cheer on the team, but we do much more than that,” acknowledges Miller.

Successfully in remission, Mary-Louise Pawlawski’s effort to further the support for cancer research continues, and every dollar makes a difference.

"Come out for a fun day filled of amazing people and great baseball while contributing to a good cause," adds Public Relations officer, Morgan Powell.

Race pre-registration is 15 dollars, and the day of the race 20 dollars. Fee includes a free voucher to the Auburn verse Vanderbilt baseball game afterwards, as well as a t-shirt and chance to win awesome prizes from local sponsors.

For more information and brochure about the upcoming 5K and MLP’s Foundation, please visit MLPand MLP Foundation.