Fort Smith residents came together Saturday for the 7th annual Whitney’s Race, a community‑focused fundraiser aimed at combating pancreatic cancer. The event, held in the bustling Bakery District, featured participants dressed in Halloween costumes, families cheering from the sidelines, and a special road‑naming ceremony honoring former Miss America Madison Marsh Morris.
Honoring a legacy
Whitney Marsh, the namesake of the race, lost her battle with pancreatic cancer in 2018. In her memory, the Whitney Marsh Foundation was created that same year to raise money for research, patient support, and policy advocacy. Madison Marsh Morris, Whitney’s daughter and former Miss America, now serves as the foundation’s president. She has expanded the organization’s mission beyond fundraising, compiling statewide data on diagnosis, treatment access, and outcomes to inform policy recommendations.
“You can create change when you have the full spectrum of data—patients, physicians, hard‑line statistics—and we bring those together to make effective recommendations,” Marsh Morris explained during the ceremony.
Community participation
The race attracted a diverse crowd of runners, walkers, and families. Many participants embraced the Halloween theme, arriving in costumes ranging from classic monsters to beloved pop‑culture icons. Spectators lined the route, offering encouragement and sharing stories of loved ones affected by pancreatic cancer.
Marketing chief Kylie Ryder of the Whitney Marsh Foundation highlighted the event’s impact: “It’s truly inspiring to see the community unite—not only for the race but also for the road‑naming ceremony. Madison’s dedication shines through every year.”
How the funds help
All proceeds from the race go directly to the Whitney Marsh Foundation’s initiatives. The organization funds research grants, supports patient navigation programs, and works with state legislators to improve access to early‑diagnosis tools and treatment options for Arkansans.
Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most lethal cancers in the United States, with a five‑year survival rate of roughly 10 percent. Early detection is critical, yet many patients face delayed diagnoses due to limited screening availability. By raising both money and awareness, Whitney’s Race contributes to a broader effort to change those outcomes.
Looking ahead
Marsh Morris and foundation volunteers plan to expand the race’s reach in future years, aiming to involve more neighboring communities and increase the amount of data collected for policy advocacy. The goal is to create a sustainable network of support that can influence state health‑care decisions and ultimately improve survival rates for Arkansans facing pancreatic cancer.
Community members who missed the race can still support the cause. Donations and additional information are available through the Whitney Marsh Foundation’s website.
Original reporting: 40/29 News KHBS Fort Smith (local) — read the source article.
