September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and that holds a much deeper meaning for the Newcomb family.
On February 28, 2019, Lori Newcomb, the matriarch of the family who founded the wildly popular and ever-expanding Newk’s Eatery franchise, lost her battle with ovarian cancer. Nevertheless, prior to her passing, Newcomb made it her mission to improve the rate of early diagnosis by funding research and creating greater awareness about the early symptoms of ovarian cancer through the Newk’s Cares foundation.
Now, Madison Newcomb, Lori’s daughter, has taken the reins of her family’s foundation and is looking to continue her mother’s legacy. In an interview on Good Things with Rebecca Turner, Madison Newcomb told us what the month of September means to her and her family. She also mentioned how the family foundation has raised $2 million annually over the past eight years for the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA).
“It means so much. Just truly the Jackson community just comes together for us. My mom was a pillar of the Jackson community and loved everything about Jackson and I’m just really honored to have the community behind us,” Newcomb said. “We are OCRA’s top sponsor of all of their rides, which is incredible.”
In honor of Ovarian Cancer Month, Newk’s Cares is looking to bring the community together to support their cause through the Ride for a Cure event. While the event involves exercising on a spin bike, Newcomb says that anybody can participate.
“You do not have to be a spinner. I’ve probably gotten on a bike once or twice a year myself,” Newcomb said. “So you do not have to be a spinner. You can be a beginner and if you weren’t able to register online and you just want to show up to the event, we can definitely take you there to make a donation and you can be able to ride there at the District.”
Ride for a Cure will be held on Thursday, September 22 at the District of Eastover in Jackson from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Online registration can be completed here.
Watch the full interview with Madison Newcomb below.
