When Bruce Gorder died at the age of 37 of malignant melanoma, leaving a wife and small child, his family was devastated. Bruce fought for several years before succumbing to the deadly cancer. But the Gorder family was not the type to sit by and watch as others were affected by one of the most virulent types of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, melanoma will affect more than 60,000 and claim the lives of 8,000 in the U.S. during 2008 alone.

Walkers will enjoy a scenic walk through the UC San Diego campus before returning to the Moores UCSD Cancer Center.

Just one year after Bruce’s death, his father, Charles F. Gorder, Sr., helped organize a 5K walk in memory of Bruce to support melanoma research taking place at the University of California, San Diego. Fast forward 15 years, and on Oct. 11, the Gorder family and event supporters will celebrate an impressive and meaningful milestone — reaching the $1 million cumulative fundraising mark for the lifetime of the annual Bruce Gorder UCSD 5K Walk for Melanoma.

“This milestone means a great deal to our family and others affected by malignant melanoma,” said Gorder, who also serves as a board member of the Moores UCSD Cancer Center. “Thanks to all those who have supported the event through the past 15 years, we are $1 million closer to finding a cure.”

“Support from the Gorder Walk is critical to helping us expand our research efforts to help those suffering from melanoma,” said Gregory Daniels, M.D., Ph.D., a physician and assistant professor who heads the clinical melanoma research program at the Moores UCSD Cancer Center. “The funds we receive from the event have allowed us to greatly expand the cancer center’s clinical trials into melanoma, allowing us to develop and test new and innovative treatments.”

Walkers of all ages and fitness levels are invited to join in the scenic, family-oriented 5K walk through the UC San Diego campus to benefit such melanoma research. Channel 10 News anchor Bill Griffith, an avid supporter of Gorder 5K Walk, will emcee the event.

The Gorder 5K Melanoma Walk begins on Oct. 11 at 8 a.m. with sign-in at the Moores UCSD Cancer Center. The walk commences at 9 a.m. Following the walk, Channel 10’s Griffith will lead the program, which features prize drawings.

Registration is $25 prior to Oct. 1, $30 after. Each registered attendee will receive a commemorative event t-shirt while supplies last. A new sponsor form is available for walkers to collect pledges in support of finding a cure for melanoma. For more information, downloadable registration and contribution forms, or to register online, please visit www.cancer.ucsd.edu or contact Jennilyn Tan at (858) 822-0023.