Chemo Noir to host 1-mile race and wine tasting event to raise funds for cancer patients

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Chemo Noir, a local nonprofit organization that provides financial support for cancer patients undergoing treatment, will host a 1-mile race and wine tasting fundraiser at the Jacksonville Beach Pier on Saturday, June 16 at 4 p.m. The event will help the nonprofit raise funds to achieve its philanthropic mission.

Following the 1-mile race, participants will enjoy a wine tasting event at Casa Marina — presented by Coastal Wine Market — featuring Chemo Noir merchandise, raffles and more.

"I didn't want to just do a wine tasting," said Chemo Noir founder and chairwoman Katrin Casey, who is also a Nease graduate. "This one is special because it's positioned like an adult fun run. It's an opportunity to come out and you can walk or run and try to win (the race)."

Male and female race winners will receive a branded crystal wine craft as a trophy, said Casey, and every participant will receive a customized hat and a race bag for taking part in the race.

The Chemo Noir founder added that she's expecting upwards of 800 to 1,000 people to attend the event, which is one of Chemo Noir's biggest fundraisers.

“We built a pretty good following working with 1st Place Sports," she said. "All of our sponsors and community partners helped us push an agenda to help get people involved. Last year in a Nor’easter, we had almost 250 people come out and run it."

Those interested in participating can register at www.1stplacesports.com/races/chemonoir or on Facebook @Chemonoir.

Founded in 2017, Chemo Noir raises money through wine-centric events to help cancer patients pay their way through treatment. Casey, who has been cancer-free for the last four years, named her organization after a night designated for leisure time with her mother, featuring comfort food and wine.

"Chemo Noir resulted out of my journey with cancer,” she said.I was going through treatment; it's such a surreal experience. When my mom would come over, I'd get a chance to sip on a little wine and I'd call them my ‘chemo noir’ nights.”

After surviving cancer and battling through the arduous road to recovery, Casey said she realized how expensive medical treatment can be and she wanted to do something about it.

"We've actually been able to write checks to patients battling a rare cancer or who just don't have the funds to get the treatment they need," Casy noted. "We've become a resource for those patients."

For more information on Chemo Noir and the race and tasting event, visit www.chemonoir.com.