The Emerson Hospital Auxiliary's 15th annual 5k Run~Walk for Cancer was held on May 30th on a beautiful spring day with over 550 runners and walkers participating. A record-breaking amount of $90,000 was raised this year, thanks to the individual and team fundraising efforts and generous business and individual sponsorships! All proceeds support cancer care at the Mass General Cancer Center at Emerson Hospital – Bethke.
“We are very grateful to the many hundreds of people who came out to support community-based cancer care by participating in the Run ~ Walk,” said Christine Schuster, President and CEO of Emerson Hospital. “Funds raised will go directly to support our friends and neighbors in our local communities who are being treated for cancer at the Mass General Cancer Center at Emerson Hospital – Bethke."
The event was held at The Thoreau Club, Concord, and started with a 5k Run. Two hundred and fifty seven runners enjoyed the beautiful tree-lined route. John Longo, an employee at Cambridge Savings Bank, the Run~Walk Presenting Sponsor, placed first in the 5k Run. Wayne Patenaude, president and CEO of Cambridge Savings Bank and a Concord resident, also ran the 5k and said, “As a member of the community, Cambridge Savings Bank is pleased to support the significant efforts of Emerson Hospital’s Run~Walk for Cancer. From leading edge technology to the newest treatment options, Emerson Hospital brings invaluable cancer treatment to the residents of the communities we serve.”
An Awards Ceremony to recognize the top fundraising teams and individual fundraisers followed the Kids’ Fun Run and the 5k Walk. The Oakmeadow Otters from Oak Meadow Montessori in Littleton was the top fundraising team, and the top individual fundraiser was Sara Martinian, an Emerson Corporator who lives Groton. Jon DuBois, MD, Medical Director of Medical Oncology, Mass General Cancer Center at Emerson Hospital-Bethke, presented the medals and awards, saying, “The awesome support for the Run~Walk from so many members of the Emerson community helps to fuel the compassionate and dedicated care that every cancer center staff member exhibits on a daily basis.”
Following the ceremonies, participants and their families stayed for a BBQ lunch and many family activities such as swimming, tie-dye t-shirts, the Tot Trot, an inflatable obstacle course, and music by DJ Russ.
The Emerson Hospital Auxiliary and the Run~Walk Committee express much gratitude for the generosity of our many sponsors and fundraisers for making the event so successful and to The Thoreau Club for hosting this important family event which brings people together to support cancer care at Emerson Hospital.
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The Mass General Cancer Center at Emerson Hospital-Bethke brings together experienced cancer specialists, leading-edge technology, and the latest treatment options for patients in Emerson’s service area. Emerson’s close collaboration with Mass General’s main campus downtown means patients receive world-class cancer care right in their neighborhood. Learn more: http://www.emersonhospital.org/MedServicesAndCenters/Centers/Bethke.aspx.
Emerson Hospital is a multi-site health system headquartered in Concord, Mass., with additional facilities in Sudbury, Groton, and Westford. The 179-bed hospital provides advanced medical services to more than 300,000 individuals in 25 towns. For more information about Emerson Hospital visit www.emersonhospital.org.
The Emerson Hospital Auxiliary supports Emerson through increased community awareness, health-related education, and fundraising initiatives. Over the past decade, the Auxiliary’s fundraising efforts have raised more than $2.5M for hospital equipment, facilities, and services.
