Kick Cancer 5K Walk Unites Florence Community for a Cause

Florence, October 27, 2025

News Summary

Over 100 participants joined the annual ‘Kick Cancer’ 5K Walk at the Pee Dee Mental Health Center in Florence, honoring the legacy of local educator Dr. La’Dine Williams Gamble. The event highlighted community support in the fight against cancer, with involvement from organizations like the American Cancer Society. Participants showcased solidarity by wearing colors representing different cancers, further affirming their commitment to raising awareness and supporting those affected by the disease.

Florence, SC – Over 100 participants gathered at the Pee Dee Mental Health Center on Saturday morning for the third annual “Kick Cancer” 5K Walk, an event organized by the non-profit organization Kick Cancer. This year, the walk was dedicated to honoring the legacy of Dr. La’Dine Williams Gamble, a cherished educator in the Florence community who recently succumbed to pancreatic cancer.

The event was designed to unite the community in the fight against cancer, with all attendees coming together to honor those affected by the disease. Organizers reported that this year’s turnout marked the largest crowd in the history of the walk, reflecting a growing commitment to supporting cancer warriors and raising awareness about the illness.

Kick Cancer was founded by Alicia Carter, inspired by her father’s battle with prostate cancer. Since its inception, the organization has increasingly engaged local communities in various events aimed at promoting cancer awareness and education. Dr. Gamble was a well-respected figure known for her bright personality and decades of service to education. She had a profound impact through her roles in consulting for school districts and local municipalities, alongside actively participating in cultural and service projects that enriched community lives.

Dr. Gamble also served as the first lady of New Ebenezer Baptist Church, one of the largest congregations in Florence, further solidifying her influential presence in the area. Her passing affected many, making the decision to dedicate this year’s walk in her honor particularly poignant.

In addition to the walk, the American Cancer Society participated by providing valuable information about early detection and the significance of regular screenings for various types of cancer. Participants wore an array of colors alongside pink, which represented Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Each color served to signify different types of cancer, showcasing solidarity and support for all those affected.

The oncology team from McLeod Health was also present during the event, offering information about local resources available for cancer patients and their families. Their participation underlined the importance of community involvement in supporting health initiatives aimed at combating cancer.

Looking ahead, the American Cancer Society announced their next significant event, the “Relay for Life,” which is set to take place in April of the following year. This ongoing commitment to cancer awareness and support highlights the efforts of the community to work together against the disease.

The Kick Cancer 5K Walk serves not only as a tribute to those who have fought cancer but also underscores the impact of community engagement in battling this pervasive illness. The gathering was a celebration of hope and resilience, with participants demonstrating their steadfast support for those facing cancer challenges in their lives.

FAQ

• What is the Kick Cancer 5K Walk? The Kick Cancer 5K Walk is an annual event organized by the non-profit organization Kick Cancer to raise awareness and funds in the fight against cancer.
• Who was this year’s event dedicated to? This year’s event was dedicated to Dr. La’Dine Williams Gamble, a local educator who passed away from pancreatic cancer.
• How many participants attended this year? Over 100 participants joined the event, marking the largest turnout in the walk’s history.
• What organizations were involved in the event? The American Cancer Society and McLeod Health’s oncology team were involved, providing education and resources about cancer and treatment options.
• When is the next major event organized by the American Cancer Society? The next major event, “Relay for Life,” is scheduled for April of the following year.

Key Features of the Kick Cancer 5K Walk

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Kick Cancer Inc Organizes Third Annual 5k Cancer Walk

Additional Resources

• WPDE: Florence Community Unites to Honor Cancer Victims and Survivors at Annual 5K Walk
• SC Now: Local Business and Health Care Article
• SC Now: Local Food and Drink Article
• Google Search: Kick Cancer 5K Walk
• Wikipedia: Cancer Awareness

Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER

The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.