All systems go for Liver Run on Aug. 7

The Cebu Gastroentorology Society will bring its crusade against liver diseases to the streets of Cebu on Aug. 7 as it stages the “Liver Run” which will start at the Chong Hua Medical Arts grounds.

One out of 12 people around the world is unknowingly suffering from Hepatitis B according to Dr. Angelique Dy Limquiaco of the Cebu Gastroenterology Society during yesterday’s race launching at the Golden Cowrie Restaurant in Robinson’s Cybergate.

The event will be an offshoot of the World Hepatitis Day on July 28.

Limquiaco was joined in the launching by doctors Judy Laotan, Rody Go, Karen Batoctoy, Virna Amor and Jenny Limquiaco and race director Joel Baring of Sports and Fitness Enthusiasts (SAFE).

The CGS is a non-government organization that aims to increase public awareness on the dangers of liver diseases particularly hepatitis B which can come from contaminated blood and sexual intercourse.

“We want the public to know that we are here to help out everyone. We know that this disease can be prevented,” added Limquiaco.

The race will have three categories namely 3k, 6k and 12k. The race singlet is colored yellow which represents the color of people affected with the virus. It is a fund-raising run to finance the group’s various activities including monthly lectures in the barangays and companies.

Activities lined up for the World Hepatitis Day include the inauguration and blessing of different hepatitis and liver clinics in hospitals here in Cebu, free blood testing and a lay forum at the Cebu Provincial Capitol with 500 barangay health workers.

Members of its main organization, the Hepatology Society of the Philippines will join the run while organizers are expecting a modest 500 to 700 runners to compete since another race is also scheduled on that day, the Run For Q of Qualfon.

Cash and medals await the category winners while exciting prizes will be raffled off.

To register, visit the Endoscopy unit of Chong Hua, Perpetual Soccour and Cebu Doctors’ Hospital or at the RUNNR Ayala Center Cebu. Registration fee is pegged at P300 inclusive of the race’s singlet and refreshments after the race.