On a beautiful Sunday morning, September 18, 2005, over 80 people in Mahwah, NJ participated in the 1st Annual "B Part of the Answer" 5K Run/Walk. A total of $10,000 was raised to benefit the Hepatitis B Foundation (HBF).

The race was inspired by and dedicated to the memory of Adrian Elkins, a competitive runner who ultimately lost the battle against liver cancer caused by chronic hepatitis B at age 20. According to his family who organized the race, "It is important to educate everyone about the effects of hepatitis B and liver cancer, and holding community races around the country is one of the best ways to get the word out."

Plans for next year are already underway, and a similar event in Philadelphia also being planned. Call the HBF at (215) 489-4900 for more information or visit the Elkins family's Answer to Cancer website at www.answertocancer.org/njraceinfo

Read Adrian Elkins story on the Hepatitis B Foundation website at www.hepb.org/patients/personal_stories_adrian.htm

BInformed, Winter 2006.