"It's great to be young and a Yankee."

Any time I see the words "Yankee Stadium" and "cancer research" in the same subject line, I open that email.

Actually, I open email either way because I hate having a smattering of bolded unreads and the ( ) next to "Inbox." But if either or both of those phrases are involved, it's important.

Running on the warning track? Yes.

It was in 2009 that I learned of the Damon Runyon 5K held INSIDE Yankee Stadium, to support cancer research. I was, however, just coming off ACL surgery and I was also a devout disciple of the "I'll Run When I Get Fat, Slash, Get Chased by Weapon-Bearing Felons" school of thought.

But this year? I'm doing it.

I'm all empowered in my ability to run more than 16 feet without wheezing, on account of doing the Warrior Dash last summer. Running's not bad if you do it in costume. That applies to pretty much everything in life, actually. Not just running.

So, fellow Yankee fans, I encourage you to join me for this extremely good cause. Sometimes when you hear "supporting cancer research" it seems like something too abstract to understand the implications. But I've seen them, and they're profound.

I work on a cancer drug at my job, and when I started on the account, I had no idea that it was the same drug that my dad took when he had cancer 7 ago. My dad wasn't poster child for healthy living, so we expected his battle with lymphoma to be tortuous. But it wasn't. It wasn't easy, but after 7 months of treatment, it was gone. And now every day I go into work, I can't help but be incalculably grateful for the researchers and scientists who developed this treatment.

I don't know many people who's life hasn't been affected by cancer in one way or another, and I can't think of any better way to help further important research than by getting some exercise on the same grass that greatness plays on. Maybe August 12 is our own "dare to be great moment."

I hope I see you there!

If you are interested in participating, the full press release and details are below.

NEW YORK, MAY 1, 2012 — While the New York Yankees take on the Blue Jays in Toronto on August 12, thousands of baseball fans, runners, cancer survivors, and supporters will gather at Yankee Stadium for the fourth annual Damon Runyon 5K at Yankee Stadium.  Since 2009, the run/walk has raised more than $1.4 million for the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation, which funds groundbreaking cancer research conducted by today’s most innovative young scientists. Registration for the 2012 Runyon 5K opened today at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

The first heat of the 5K will launch at 9:30 a.m. from inside Gate 4 before winding through the legendary ballpark’s concourses and ramps. Participants will climb stairs between levels and appear on the center field video board as they take two laps around the warning track that circles the field. Over the past four years, the Runyon 5K has become one of New York’s most unique summer events and the only charitable run/walk to use the iconic stadium as its course.

Registration for individuals and teams opened today at www.damonrunyon.org/yankeestadium and is limited to the first 4,000 registrants.  Participants pay a $40 registration fee and must fundraise at least $60. On July 12, the registration fee will increase to $50. Family and friends will have the opportunity to meet Damon Runyon scientists and watch the event from the Delta SKY360° Suite overlooking home plate.

100% of all funds raised by participants will go directly to Damon Runyon cancer researchers. “We're so grateful to the New York Yankees and all of our sponsors for helping make this possible year after year,” said Lorraine W. Egan, President and CEO of the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation. "And we couldn't ask for better supporters. They really enjoy the incredible Stadium views and work so hard every summer to raise money for cancer research.”

The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation, established in 1946 and based in New York City, has a long history with the Yankees.  Joe DiMaggio was on its Board of Directors and Mickey Mantle was an active fundraiser.  Damon Runyon himself was a New York writer who began his career as a baseball journalist, revolutionizing how the game was covered and often reporting on Yankees games.

Last year’s event raised more than $730,000 and drew a capacity crowd of 4,000 participants – from 5 to 76 years-old and traveling from 30 states.  Click to see videos and photos of the 2011 Runyon 5K.

In addition to the New York Yankees’ support, other event sponsors include the MetLife Foundation, White Rose/Unilever, 24 Hour Fitness, NBC4 New York, the New York Daily News, and SiriusXM Radio.

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ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

To accelerate breakthroughs, the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation provides today’s best young scientists with funding to pursue innovative cancer research.  Damon Runyon is currently funding more than 100 scientists at leading medical centers and research institutions worldwide.

The Foundation was created in 1946 in memory of Damon Runyon, a New York writer who began his career as a baseball journalist and revolutionized coverage of the game.  Over the past 66 years, Damon Runyon has invested more than $245 million and funded more than 3,300 young scientists. Eleven of them have earned the Nobel Prize.