For the sixth straight year, Newk’s Cares, the philanthropic arm of Newk’s Eatery, is raising money and awareness to battle ovarian cancer, the disease that earlier this year took the organization’s co-founder Lori Newcomb.
The efforts coincide with Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, observed each September. Chris Newcomb, Lori’s husband, is co-founder of Newk’s Cares and chief executive officer of the Jackson, Mississippi-based fast-casual restaurant chain.
Through the organization’s partnership with Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA), Newk’s Cares has raised more than $1 million for research of the disorder, for which 22,530 women this year will receive a diagnosis this year. Because ovarian cancer symptoms often are vague, the disease usually is diagnosed after it has progressed and is much harder to treat.
“This year, we honor my wife Lori by carrying on her passion and personal mission to help all women and all future women affected by this disease,” Newcomb said in a press release. “Lori’s commitment to this cause lives on through our Newk’s family, and we hope to continue encouraging women to listen to their bodies and take action right away to improve the success rate of early diagnosis.”
In addition to the organization’s ongoing efforts, Newk’s Eatery will support Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month by displaying educational materials at its 120 locations in 16 states. It also will present events including:
- Lunch & Learn, a free Aug. 22 affair hosted with St. Dominic Hospital on the Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum campus. Expert panelists will present the latest data and research developments. Seating is limited.
- Ovarian Cycle Jackson, an annual outdoor spin event, to be held Sept. 19 at The Township in Ridgeland, Mississippi. Ride participation costs $50; it’s free for ovarian cancer survivors. Visit this site to register or donate. Registrants will receive an OCRA gift bag, including a box lunch. Ovarian Cycle is OCRA’s signature cycling series.
To raise ovarian cancer awareness while supporting OCRA research and education efforts, Newk’s Eatery, from Aug. 26 through the end of September, is asking patrons to make a donation either during store visits or when ordering online. In-person donors will have a teal ribbon featuring their name displayed in the restaurant. The stores also will feature Lori-inspired meals.
Supporters are invited to follow Newk’s Cares on Facebook, where they can share inspiring stories using the hashtag #TealforLori.
Newk’s Cares was established in 2014, a year after Lori, an OCRA board member and mother of three, was diagnosed with stage IIIC ovarian cancer. Continuing a practice she began, 10 cents of every Newk’s Cares water bottle sold year-round is donated to OCRA, a global organization that funds ovarian cancer research, advocates for patients, and supports survivors and their families.