BY KARISSA MILLER
Iredell Health System held its inaugural Lacing Up for a Cure 5K at the Statesville YMCA on Saturday.
The event attracted around 430 runners and walkers of all ages and abilities.
“We wanted to do something that would help support patients who are battling cancer in our community,” said Iredell Health Director of Planning, Community Relations and Marketing Meagan Kowalski.
The proceeds will benefit Iredell Health Foundation’s Cancer Patient Support Fund.
The event is breast cancer focused because it’s held in October. However, the funds raised will be used to provide support to patients battling any form of cancer.
Kowalski said that it could help to pay for medical treatments, transportation, nutritional needs and other related expenses.
“This event was put on by a committee within Iredell Health System. They saw the need and wanted to do more to support that fund,” Kowalski said.
Judy Porter, Iredell Health System Oncology navigator, welcomed the runners and walkers.
“I hope that you all reach your goals that you set for yourself. Have fun and thank you for coming,” she said.
The 5K is a way to honor our survivors, and many of them attended the event. Participants gave them a round of applause.
CEO and President John Green thanked the community for their support.
“If you look at the vision of the hospital, it is to guide our neighbors to optimal health,” he said. “What better way to guide than to have things like this … to have wellness-based activities.”
Breast cancer survivor Crystal Harris, a teacher at Celeste Henkel Elementary School, shared with the group why this event is important to her. As she thought about this disease, she thought about the acronym FIGHT, which she explained meant:
• F is for Focus on the disease;
• I is for Invest in life;
• G is for God’s grace;
• H is for Helping others; and
• T is for Together.
“We all need to work together to make sure we can help each other,” she said.
In addition to cancer survivors, the event drew churches, school groups and other organizations.
Oakwood IB student runner Paisley Collins, 12, said she didn’t have a direct connection to the cause, but she used it as a way to push herself to run a longer distance than she normally does in cross country and have fun.
Miss Iredell County Jaime Logan and Members of Divas Fighting Like Girls, a local breast cancer support group that provides resources to the community, cheered on everyone as they completed the 5K.
“It’s been great to see all this support and watch people come together,” said Divas member Mae Hall.
Sponsors included Abby SMART Girls, Pence Farms, Doosan Bobcat, Be Well Iredell, OptiMed Hospitalists Personalized Medicine, and Susan and Will Fanjoy.
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