May is Melanoma Awareness Month, a time of year when University of Miami Miller School of Medicine dean Pascal J. Goldschmidt especially reflects.
Goldschmidt's father died at age 67 of metastatic melanoma, so last weekend's SunSmart 5K to raise awareness of melanoma was more than just another road race for Goldschmidt, who also serves as UM's senior vice president for medical affairs. Sun exposure is responsible for the majority of skin cancer and raises the risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
Goldschmidt, 54, a fitness enthusiast and accomplished runner, placed third in his age group in 21 minutes, 22 seconds. The overall winner among more than 400 competitors was Julio Bonilla, 19, in 17:55.
The race, at Crandon Park in Key Biscayne, raised money for melanoma research.
''I am so proud of the work done by [UM] to help all of us -- patients and people at risk,'' Goldschmidt said. ``Curing melanoma is very close to my heart.''
-- SUSAN
MILLER DEGNAN
UM FOOTBALLThe University of Miami, which begins playing its home games at Dolphin Stadium this coming season, will have a Select-A-Seat day at the venue from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday. The event will offer the public its first chance to tour the facility and purchase tickets for the 2008 season, which features home games against FSU and Virginia Tech.
Beginning Monday, season tickets can be purchased by calling 1-800-GO-CANES or online at hurricanesports.com.
SOFTBALL
• Louisiana-Lafayette 8, FIU 2: Monique White hit a solo home run and Desiree Fink had an RBI double as the fourth-seeded Golden Panthers fell to the top-seeded Ragin' Cajuns at the Sun Belt Conference tournament in Troy, Ala. FIU will face Western Kentucky in an elimination game at 12:30 p.m. Friday.
• Barry 4, Rollins 0: Amber Jack pitched a four-hitter and Megan Young and Holli Davis each had an RBI to lead the host Buccaneers (42-6) past the Tars (39-15) in the NCAA Division II South Regional. Jack (28-2) struck out seven and walked none.
Barry, the top seed, advances to face third-seeded Saint Leo at 4 p.m. Friday.
GOLF
• FIU: Freshman Paula Hurtado is tied for 38th after the opening round of the NCAA East Regional in Athens, Ga. Hurtado, playing as one of three individuals at the tournament, shot 4-over-par for the first round.
