Special to IFN
More than 400 people participated in the recent Lacing Up for a Cure 5K at the Statesville Family YMCA, raising an estimated $35,000 to help local patients battling cancer.
Hosted by Iredell Health System, the event was created to raise community awareness and funds for cancer prevention, treatment, and recovery. All proceeds benefit local cancer patients through the Cancer Patient Support Fund of the Iredell Health Foundation, the health system’s philanthropic arm. This fund assists anyone receiving active cancer treatment that needs help with transportation, lodging, support group activities, and discretionary support.
The idea of a 5K started with a request from an Iredell Health nurse.
“A hospital RN asked me if I could bring something like Relay for Life or the Susan G. Komen Race for a Cure back to Statesville. I thought it would be a great idea. What better way to fundraise than a 5K,” said Judy Porter, oncology navigator for Iredell Health System. “I work with many cancer patients with financial barriers. The money raised from this event will allow patients to focus more on getting well and less on transportation and food insecurities.”
“I am still in awe of how successful this event was,” added Jamie Cash, care transitions navigator for Iredell Health System. “It was amazing to see the number of people who turned out Saturday morning to race, cheer on the racers, and to volunteer in whatever way they were needed.”
Iredell Health’s original goal was to raise $10,000. The actual proceeds are more than triple that with estimated proceeds totaling $35,000. All proceeds go directly to those battling cancer in our community.
“This 5K was so much more than I ever expected. This money will enable us to help so many of our patients that are dealing with financial issues in addition to battling cancer,” explained Cash. “None of this would have been possible without the hard-working team of individuals that agreed to be part of planning and coordinating this event.”
Porter shared a similar sentiment.
“Throughout months of coordinating, it totally warmed my heart to witness so many people from our health system, community, and survivors working together for a common cause. I want to give a special thank you to Jamie and all the wonderful volunteers that brought this all together.”
A special thank you to event sponsors: Abby’s Smart Girls; Pence Farms; Doosan Bobcat; Will & Susan Fanjoy; Be Well Iredell; Optimed Hospitalists; Charles Ashe; Dr. David Cash,; Tom Sherrod; Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County; Iredell Free News; Walter and Edie Holland; Donald Searcy; Lymphatic Health Center; James and Mary Mallory; and several anonymous donors.
LEARN MORE
For more information about the Iredell Health Foundation, visit iredellhealthfoundation.org.