After doctors found a mass during her routine mammogram in 2012, Tina Ellis decided — without hesitation — to have a double mastectomy in light of her family’s strong history of cancer.

Now, Ellis will lead the first “Run with the Breast of Us” 5K run/walk event at 8 a.m. Saturday in Brownsdale. Part of the annual Brownsdale Fest that weekend, the new event will raise awareness about breast cancer along with funding support for The Hormel Institute’s breast cancer research in Austin.

“It is because of my experience that I decided to create this event to spread cancer awareness in my community and help raise money to become one step closer to finding a cure,” Ellis said.

The 5K begins at Brownsdale Elementary School, with same-day registration running from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. The event is open to all ages, and costs $18 per adult and $10 for children age 12 and younger. Preregistration forms are available at the Greenway store in Brownsdale.

The 3.1 mile route is half paved surfaces and half gravel, Ellis said. Directions will be given the morning of the event.

Participants will receive water, fruit and gift bags after completing the 5K course. A post-race prize drawing will give away several donated items.

Donations from “Run with the Breast of Us” will go toward The Hormel Institute Breast Cancer Research Fund. Check donations can be made to The Institute on or before Saturday.

The Hormel Institute continues to make progress in finding ways to prevent and control breast cancer as well as other types of cancer, said Executive Director Dr. Zigang Dong.

“We are very thankful for this new event to raise awareness and support for breast cancer research,” Dong said. “Research is the only answer to cancer, and this type of community support is vital in helping our scientists in their extensive efforts to find better answers to this devastating disease.”