Celebrating ‘Hope Beyond What You Can See’ at Graham Cancer Center 5K
Event raised $170,000 to support nutrition security for cancer patients in need
On Sept. 29, more than 500 runners and walkers laced up and got moving for the 3rd annual Friends of the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute 5K Run/Walk at ChristianaCare’s Newark campus.
Sporting bright tulle tutus, pink race shirts, fanciful streamers and pom-poms, the record number of registered participants raised more than $170,000, exceeding the race goal of $150,000. Proceeds will help cancer patients who struggle with food insecurity. ChristianaCare’s Community Health Outreach and Education and Cancer Care Management teams actively work to address nutrition security with programs that assist patients in accessing fresh produce and making healthy food choices.
“Congratulations to all the walkers, runners, the Friends and volunteers,” said Thomas Schwaab, M.D., Ph.D., the Bank of America Endowed Medical Director of the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute. “Thank you for supporting the Graham Cancer Center, our incredible staff, the amazing work they do and the courageous patients they care for.”
On the route, walkers and runners — some accompanied by little ones in strollers and furry friends — passed signs with inspirational slogans like “there is hope beyond what you can see,” and got cheers from onlookers and cheerleaders from Wilmington University and their mascot along with Coaty from the Blue Coats.
Click here to make a gift to ChristianaCare and the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute.
“The Graham Cancer Center is a critical part of the love and excellence of ChristianaCare. I know there are a lot of grateful families and patients joining us today – thank you for trusting us with your care,” said Janice Nevin, M.D., MPH, president and CEO.
“And as we talk about care, it’s important to remember that caring about people’s health really means caring about all of them – their medical needs of course, but also their access to safe housing, nutritious food and other essential needs.”
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.
“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.
Congratulations to the winners and all participants!
(See all results and times here.)
