Sports, socials tackle cancer

The three-day, multi-event Cancer Challenge will lead off with a golf tournament June 8 in Bella Vista and conclude with 10K and 5K runs and a 1-mile walk June 10 in Bentonville.

The 24th annual benefit for Northwest Arkansas cancer charities also will include junior and adult tennis, golf and trap shooting tournaments and social events.

Erin Rongers, executive director, said the group expects more than 2,000 participants in the activities that will require some 400 volunteers helping.

The “Tackle Cancer Tailgate” on June 9 at the Northwest Arkansas Convention Center in Springdale will feature special guest NFL player Devon Still. Still, who plays defensive end for the Houston Texans, took a break from his professional football career in 2014 when his daughter, Leah, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma cancer in stage four.

Leah is now in remission, and Still serves as an advocate for early access to treatment and cancer care.

The tailgate also will include feature cocktails, a photo booth, a caricature artist and silent and live auctions.

Rongers said, “Since our inception, we have invested more than $12 million in cancer programs and services in Northwest Arkansas. All funds raised stay local, providing needed programs and services for our friends and

neighbors.” Programs supported include cancer prevention and education, treatment, navigation and survivorship.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/JASON IVESTER Carter Helms of Bentonville returns a shot at the Kingsdale tennis center in Bella Vista. Carter and other youth participated in the annual 2016 Cancer Challenge junior tennis clinic and tournament. This year’s event runs June 8-10, with events in...