A Slingerlands medical practice is hoping that an upcoming 5K run will not only raise awareness of the serious cancers they treat, but also raise money to help those who suffer from them.
Capital Region Special Surgery is holding the race Sunday, Oct. 25, at their offices. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the St. Peter’s Hospital Cancer Care Center through a special fund that will go specifically towards patient services.
Making sure the donation goes directly to benefit patients was a top priority, said Race Director Sarah Nicole Mahoney.
It’s just an effort to reach out and do more, she said. `We’re excited to do something very specifically to give back to our patients.`
Once the final take is tallied it will be easier to know exactly where the money is going, but it could fund outreach campaigns, better diagnostic services or help defer treatment costs for the under and uninsured.
CRSS is an independent group of practices specializing in five areas: neurosurgery, sleep/wake, ear nose and throat, physical therapy and a specialized ear institute.
Though lung cancer is undoubtedly the better-publicized result of smoking, cancers of the mouth, throat and neck are also a common outcome.
According to The Brain Tumor Foundation, 130 in 100,000 in the U.S. suffer from brain cancer, and The National Cancer Institute says that in 2008, an estimated 35,000 were diagnosed with head and neck cancers in the U.S.
`We decided to establish this road race in an effort to help people in the Capital Region who are affected by brain, head and neck cancers,` said CRSS’s Dr. Edward Scheid. `It is important for health care providers in our area to support and develop local resources to treat our community.`
The race will be run in run in memory of Susan Britain, a Colonie High School graduate and patient of the CRSS who died of cancer at the age of 37.
`Her passing really affected the physicians who cared for her,` said Mahoney. `We said, it’s right in front of us, this is what we’re going to do.`
Runners, or walkers, will begin at the CRSS offices on New Scotland Road in Slingerlands, and will proceed south, taking a left on Thackery Drive. They’ll continue onto Cherryvale Boulevard, turn around on Queen Anne Drive, and proceed back to CRSS via Cherry Ave. and New Scotland Road.
The Town of Bethlehem Highway and Police department will help mark and patrol the route for the safety of participants.
You don’t have to be a superb athlete to participate. The group chose a 5K because it will allow more people a chance to participate, even if they choose to walk the route rather than run it.
`It’s a very level playing field, anyone who wants to participate ca walk, can runits something that everyone can be a part of,` said Mahoney.
For those who aren’t up for the 5K or are supporting loved ones, a farmers market will be held at the start/finish area and Radio Disney will be on hand to provide entertainment. A fun run for kids will also be held after the 5k.
Three is still time to sign up for the run; online registration closes at noon on Friday, Oct. 23. The first 1,000 participants will receive a free Race for Hope long sleeve T-shirt. Registration is $25, and participants are encouraged to collect donations.
Don’t’ despair if you can’t participate this Sunday, because CRSS wants to bring the event back.
`It’s really something that we want to do every year,` said Mahoney.
“
