ChristianaCare to Host 5K Run/Walk to Assist Cancer Patients’ Fight Against Food Insecurity

When people are diagnosed with cancer, they often experience a flood of fears and worries. They worry about finding the right doctor, choosing the best treatment, dealing with potential side effects, and the possibility of the cancer returning. In addition to these worries, many cancer patients also grapple with not having enough food to eat, which can have further negative impact on their health.

To support these vulnerable members of our community, the Friends of the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute will host its third annual Friends 5K Run/Walk to combat food insecurity on Sunday, September 29, at 9 a.m. at the Graham Cancer Center on ChristianaCare’s Newark campus.

Register for the Friends 5K Run/Walk to support the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute here.

The proceeds from this year’s race will support ChristianaCare’s Community Health Outreach and Education Program and Cancer Care Management teams. The funds will be used to support programs that assist patients in accessing fresh produce and healthy food.

“The Graham Cancer Center is proud to reduce barriers to care and assist more patients in accessing nutritious meals,” said Nicholas Petrelli, M.D., Bank of America Endowed Medical Director of the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute. “We’re taking a proactive approach to ensure that every patient has the support they need to recover and thrive.”

“Proper nutrition is crucial for recovery. However, many cancer patients are faced with the impossible choice of paying for treatment or putting food on the table. This burden is unimaginable, but we have the power to change it. The committed efforts of the Graham Cancer Center to tackle this issue reflect our steadfast commitment to alleviating food insecurity for our patients.”

For the past two years, the Friends 5K race has raised funds for medical equipment to improve patient care. This year, they aimed to raise funds to further enhance the patient experience.

“Access to fresh produce and healthy food options is vital for everyone, but especially for patients undergoing cancer treatment,” said Dennis Voorheis, chair of the Friends of Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute. “We wanted to align our fundraising efforts with the excellent work being done at the Graham Cancer Center to support their efforts in providing valuable assistance to those in need.”

The Graham Cancer Center is committed to tackling food insecurity through various community-based educational programs.

These programs include the Patient’s Farmer’s Market, which emphasizes the significance of nutrition for cancer patients and educates them about the challenges associated with a cancer diagnosis.

This year’s Friends 5K race aims to raise $150,000 and attract over 500 participants on race day. Proceeds will be used to expand and enhance the Graham Cancer Center’s ability to provide healthy food and nutrition support to cancer patients who need it.

“We want to enhance our programs by providing customized meals and food-purchase gift cards, and by partnering with existing community resources and local food banks,” said Nora Katurakes, MSN, RN, OCN, manager of the Graham Cancer Center’s Community Outreach & Education program.”

“This is exciting work that can improve treatment outcomes, alleviate the burden on cancer patients and their families, and provide valuable nutrition education that can make a difference.”

ChristianaCare remains at the forefront in enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients experiencing food insecurity.

“ChristianaCare is deeply grateful for the opportunity to provide patients with access to nutritious food,” said Dia Williams Adams, MPA, vice president of Philanthropy at ChristianaCare.

“This is essential for improving their nutritional intake during cancer therapy and nurturing a strong sense of belonging. The community’s generosity empowers us to make a meaningful impact on everyone we serve.”