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Families Come from Far and Wide to Walk for CancerCare

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CancerCareGreenwich1-4-28

 

 

By Chéye Roberson

Sentinel Correspondent

CancerCare held a five-kilometer walk/run last Sunday at Greenwich Point for both adults and children to raise funds for its programs, geared to help people who have been impacted by cancer.

“All of the financial support and funds raised today go to support CancerCare’s free support services to help the people that turn to us every day,” said Sandy Tripodi, the organization’s senior director of community engagement.

The top fastest males awards went to Ian Stowe of New Rochelle, N.Y.; Michael Cooley of Delmar, N.Y.; and Kris Bauman of Old Greenwich.

The fastest female prize went to Megan Lynch of Old Greenwich; Chelsea Ellis of Port Chester, N.Y.; and Liliana Carey of South Salem, N.Y.

But the event was much less about who won and more about people coming together and sharing their experiences in battling a common threat. The event sought to create a sense of community support, and CancerCare wanted to make sure it chose a venue—Greenwich Point—that would make families feel welcome.

There were craft activities for the kids, such as face painting and an oversized, outside version of checkers and Connect Four.

“At Cancer 5K, we really want to make sure that families come down and there are things for kids to do when they get here,” said Tripodi. “This is an opportunity for people to who have been impacted by cancer whether it’s themselves or a loved one. They have come out to support our mission and each other.”

The community event brought together friends, families and teams to walk or run in memory of those they lost to cancer, to honor survivors, and to support those who are currently facing a cancer diagnosis while raising critical funds to help anyone affected by cancer. Sponsors of the event included Greenwich Hospital and Coldwell Banker.

“I really have empathy with all my heart; whether you know someone who is a survivor or has passed away, the experience is a challenging one,” said Evangela Brock, a real estate agent from Coldwell Banker who volunteered time at the sponsor’s booth and has been impacted personally by her mother, father, and brother’s battle with cancer.

CancerCare, founded in 1944, is the leading national organization providing free, professional support services and information to help people manage the emotional, practical and financial challenges of cancer. Comprehensive services include counseling and support groups over the phone, online and in-person, educational workshops, publications and financial and co-payment assistance. All CancerCare services are provided by oncology social workers and world-leading cancer experts.

CancerCare programs and services help 180,000 people each year. The organization distributes 350,000 publications and welcomes 2.2 million website visits annually. In the past year, CancerCare provided nearly 13 million dollars in financial assistance.

Cathi Peterson, a 54-year-old breast cancer survivor, made a speech before the race about the ways CancerCare supported her and her partner, Sandy.

“People only think that the person who’s going through the treatment is affected by cancer, but that’s so not true—the whole family gets cancer,” said Peterson.

Cathi Peterson, breast cancer survivor and opening speaker
Cathi Peterson, breast cancer survivor and opening speaker

Peterson said her partner took care of her and all the responsibilities of finances, home maintenance, grocery shopping, etc., which took a toll on her.

“When my treatments were over and I started to get better, she got worse. Her armor was cracking. She was so busy taking care of me that she wasn’t taking care of herself,” said Peterson. “That’s when CancerCare came in on a big white horse for us.”

Peterson saw the walk as the perfect opportunity to say thank you to CancerCare.

“Today we walk for them and all the people who work there who give so much to so many, and today may those people know by the sneakers on our feet and the smiles on our faces how much they’ve helped us,” said Peterson.

Megan Lynch

Sandra Tripodi, CancerCare's Sr. Director, Community Engagement, with Megan Lynch of Old Greenwich, top overall female finisher
Sandra Tripodi, CancerCare’s Sr. Director, Community Engagement, with Megan Lynch of Old Greenwich, top overall female finisher
Children's 1/2 Mile Fun Run
Children’s 1/2 Mile Fun Run
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