This weekend, the streets of downtown Knoxville will be filled with thousands of sweatshirt-clad runners breathing in cool, November air. These marathon runners, along with their walker and jogger counterparts, are taking time to honor those lost to or affected by a worldwide leading cause of death-cancer.

The American Cancer Society predicts that by the end of 2009 more than 766,000 men and 713,000 women will be diagnosed with cancer - of those, more than 562,000 will not survive.

As the pharmaceutical industry struggles to find a cure, many people maintain hope and confidence in scientific discoveries and breakthroughs. Until the ultimate cure is found, those diagnosed with the disease must rely on expensive and un-guaranteed treatments.

Thousands of people do emerge from their disease as cancer-free, but not everyone has such good fortune. Lower-income patients often become stressed about their financial situation which hardly promotes whole body healing, and many people cannot abide by the early-detection rule because of the inability to afford cancer screenings.

The American Cancer Society predicts that by the end of 2009 more than 766,000 men and 713,000 women will be diagnosed with cancer-of those, more than 562,000 will not survive.

According to the Thompson Cancer Survival Center in Knoxville, Tenn., women older than age 40 should get an annual mammogram; men older than age 50 should get an annual digital rectal exam, prostate specific antigen blood test and fecal occult blood test. Recommendations for the frequency of other screenings depend on the type of cancer at hand.

The center seeks to promote screenings and service to underprivileged families. Each year they host an annual race, Buddy's Race for Cancer, to raise awareness and funds.

The event will take place at 1 p.m. Nov. 15 at World's Fair Park. Participants will run a 5K, walk a 2K or take "a walk in the park". Everyone will receive a free race day long-sleeved shirt and Buddy's Bar-B-Q will provide post-race food (including a vegetarian option). Registration is $30 per individual older than age 18; teams are welcome. Last year, there were 4,503 participants; this year the goal is 5,000.

"We're hoping for a larger turnout than what we had in 2008," said Misty Brown, development coordinator at the Thompson Cancer survival center. "Even though the economy isn't so great, the need is even greater."

According to the survival center's Web site, the money will go towards providing cancer outreach services in the local area to the poor, elderly, minorities and the high-risking working poor.

For example, the mobile mammography unit drives around the area and provides free or low-cost mammograms to those in need, said Brown.

We celebrate all cancer survivors. Misty Brown, development coordinator at the Thompson Cancer Survival Center

"There are more people who are in financial distress who cannot afford healthcare and rely on programs like cancer outreach," Brown said. "We have raised over 3 million dollars for cancer outreach services [over the past 15 years]. Last year was our record year. Our goal this year is to raise $420,000."

Buddy's Bar-B-Q has been a partner with the survival center for 16 years. In 1992, a very community-minded individual and founder of the restaurant, Buddy Smothers, lost his battle with cancer. His family then decided to become a sponsor for the race to honor those lost or affected by the disease, said Brown. 

Other cancer runs include The Race for the Cure (Oct. 24) and Breast Cancer Awareness Walk (Oct. 1), but Brown said Buddy's race is different.

"It's here locally. We're raising money that stays right here in east Tennessee," she said. "Buddy's race is for all types of cancers. We celebrate all cancer survivors."

Those who choose not to participate in the event because of the registration fee can still be involved through volunteer work. 

"It's always a great day and we're just hoping that everybody will come out," said Brown.

Freshman Brianna Spears is double majoring in psychology and sociology, hoping to enter the criminal profiling workforce. Taking 17 hours may seem to consume her life, but she still takes time to do the things that mean the most to her.  This weekend, Spears will sacrifice much-needed sleep to participate with her family in the 5K run.

"Cancer is really prevalent in my family. [The race] was something that I saw and I was like, 'I can do this'," she said. She just wishes more students at the university would come out and support the cause.

"I know the registration fee is kind of steep for college students," she said. That's why she worked with Hall Council at Massey dorm to see if she could help organize a scholarship to aid those who really couldn't afford to go.

"I had cancer and so did my father," she said. "It's for a really great cause."

Spears was diagnosed when she was younger, and six years ago her father, Andrew Spears, was also diagnosed. Her dad lost the vision in his left eye to it. But they are both cancer free now.

"I think it's a really great opportunity," said Brianna Spears. "If we can catch it [cancer] early, then it's so much better."

For many, Buddy's Race for Cancer is a fun and challenging event that has very meaningful and personal undertones. Participants may choose to race for any variety of reasons, but for cancer survivors, the reason is more apparent. They have seen the power of hope, and are racing for a universal cause-for time.