The eighth annual Steeplechase Distance Run benefits patient support services and educational programs at the Steeplechase Cancer Center located in Somerville.
SOMERVILLE - David Vail ran the 5K race at the Steeplechase Distance Run three years ago with his wife, Linda, to mark their 40th wedding anniversary, finishing first in his age category.
This year, he will be helping to lead the event's 5K walk to mark another personal milestone - the one-year anniversary of his diagnosis with lymphoma.
Vail, of Dunellen, will join fellow cancer survivors on Sept. 25 for the eighth annual Steeplechase Distance Run, which benefits patient support services and educational programs at the Steeplechase Cancer Center.
"The support that I received at the Steeplechase Cancer Center was just tremendous. Everyone feels like family," Vail, who had surgery last year to remove a cancerous mass in his armpit and completed chemotherapy treatment in January, said in a news release. "I am proud to be participating in my first Steeplechase Distance Run as a cancer survivor and to help give hope to others who are courageously battling this disease."
The event features a 10K run, 5K run, 2-mile walk and kids' sprints. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. at Amsterdam School in Hillsborough.
Over $70K raised at Steeplechase Distance Run
The Steeplechase Distance Run is organized by Somerset Health Care Foundation, which raises funds for Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset.
The race has raised nearly $800,000 for the cancer center since its inception. More than 1,000 runners and walkers participated in the 2015 event.
"The Steeplechase Cancer Center is committed to providing the full continuum of care for our patients through every step of their cancer journey," said Deirdre Blaus, director of The Steeplechase Cancer Center. "With the support of all those who participate in the Steeplechase Distance Run, we are able to offer support and educational programs encompassing wellness, prevention and survivorship initiatives to complement the advanced medical procedures and technologies that we offer."
According to a news release, the Steeplechase Cancer Center offers a wide range of complementary medicine programs for cancer survivors, including yoga classes, t'ai chi, massage, reiki and cooking classes. In addition, the center hosts many support groups, including groups for specific cancers and groups tailored specifically to men and women.
Its Survivors in Motion oncology rehabilitation program is designed for cancer survivors of all fitness levels, helping patients improve their quality of life and regain their highest level of functioning. Special education events are held throughout the year for patients and community members.
Each June, the cancer center invites survivors to a free Day of Hope event that includes dinner and a guest speaker.
Among the largest teams participating in the Steeplechase Distance Run is Team Jonathan, formed by Dr. Delia Figueroa of Branchburg in memory of her son who was a 2005 graduate of Somerville High School, and despite his diagnosis of brain cancer, graduated with honors from Stony Brook University with a degree in Biomedical Engineering.
"This event is a labor of love for me," said Figueroa, who is medical director of informatics at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset and a former Emergency Department physician. "I walk in memory of my son, Jonathan, and in honor of his caregivers at the Steeplechase Cancer Center.
"His fraternity brothers - many who never even knew my son - come from as far away as Long Island to participate. Colleagues from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset also join us. I am proud to say that last year, we had four medal winners from our group!"
This year's 10K run begins at 8:45 a.m. followed by the 5K run and 2-mile walk at 9:30 a.m. Kids' sprints will be held at 10:45 a.m. Registration is $30 before Sept. 19. The entry fee for kids' sprints is $10.
Awards will be presented to first, second and third place male and female winners in the 10K and 5K runs and the top three male and female finishers in each age group. In addition, there will be first, second and third place awards for the top male and female Hillsborough residents.