Department of Medicine’s Infectious Diseases Team Runs Charlottesville Women’s Four Miler

Back row L to R: Abby Whitford, BS; Audrey Brown, PhD; Mia DeMarco, PharmD; Barb Mann, PhD; Jackie Hodges MD; Claire Fleming, BS Front row L to R: Cami Westlake, BS; Anna Cliffe, PhD; Maria Geba MD; and Rachel Boone, BS (contributed photo)

Congratulations to a team of runners organized by the Department of Medicine’s Infectious Diseases Division who ran the 41^st annual Charlottesville Women’s Four Miler at Foxfield on September 2. The team named “Running a Fever” included graduate students, physician fellows, pharmacists, lab specialists and faculty representing the Department of Medicine, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, and UVA Health Pharmacy.

The Four Miler is a beloved community tradition that began in 1983 bringing together thousands of women, volunteers and community sponsors to support breast cancer care and research through the UVA Breast Cancer Care program. UVA ID running team member, Mia DeMarco, a PGY2 Infectious Diseases pharmacy resident said, “I ran in support of a relative who is a breast cancer survivor, and it was amazing seeing the turnout for this event from participants and volunteers alike! I’m thankful to work in a field and a health system that value the same causes I care about.”

One of the special moments of the race is the last mile, called the Motivational Mile, a stretch of the race along a fence where the names of loved ones and friends who have battled cancer are posted. Anna Cliffe, PhD, said, “It was a wonderful experience to run alongside the ladies of UVA ID. The mother of my best friend from high school, who is a breast cancer survivor, has profoundly influenced my perspective on life. Thus, it was truly inspiring to run in support of the UVA Breast Cancer Care program.”

The UVA ID running team would like to thank William Petri, MD, PhD, for his support and encouragement as they participated in this event. Dr. Petri states, “The Women’s Four Miler is a win-win. It’s a great cause and wonderful opportunity for women to take charge of their health and fitness and give back to the community.” The runners and volunteers not only fundraise to fight breast cancer, they also support the UVA Cancer Breast Cancer Care program by raising money to provide gift bags of breast care supplies to patients after a mastectomy.