Thanks for checking this out! Here's my deal:
Yes, I AM the Race Director of this race. I am also a Cancer Survivor as well as a Runner...not in that order though. I was training for a Half Ironman when I was in my early 40s and wanted a race to use as a training run closer to home. Mapped out this course, picked a local cause (my dad passed from cancer - I picked Cancer Connection for it's numerous community kudos), rounded up a bunch of friends to help make it happen and 3 weeks before the inaugural race, was diagnosed with breast cancer myself. Talk about a smack in the face! This brought this race that much closer to my heart. It's not about me, it's about the impact on the community. Everyone knows someone who has dealt with or been affected by cancer, sad...but it's true. This is a perfect way to honor them!
I love to run for a cause I believe in and am trying to 'pay it forward' and make an impact by raising funds for an organization that helps local people dealing with cancer. All proceeds support Cancer Connection and they offer their services free of charge to make a difference in people's lives.
I am going to run various races (New Jersey Marathon on 11/26/20 - virtual, of course) from now through Mother's Day - trying to raise funds for this race through all of my other distances - I'm asking for help to reach my goal of $10,000. This is my PERSONAL goal (nothing to do with RD goals).
During these unprecedented times, please help me support this cause. Covid-19 (the 'other' C-word of 2020) has really hurt the funding of Cancer Connection...Please help me, help them.
No donation is too small! Seriously, $5 makes an impact!
Please feel free to donate in honor of someone you know fighting the fight or who has lost the fight. I would be honored to run for them.
We CAN MAKE a difference.
Stay healthy and keep on moving forward <3
Sue
WMass Mother's Day Half Marathon
The WMass Mother's Day Half Marathon has been supporting Cancer Connection for 10 years! Now that 2020 has been brutal to charities, they need our help more than ever. This race is one of extremely FEW that operate on donation. Race expenses are kept to a minimum, yet we try to make the runners' experience top-notch. This race has a vibe of gratitude, appreciation and so much love. Not only are runners happy to run, volunteers are happy to help and cancer-warriors are happy to benefit from the free services provided by Cancer Connection.
It is truly The BEST half in Western Mass! This race makes an impact!
At our center on Locust Street in Northampton, people living with cancer, their families and caregivers can meet one-on-one in a comforting and welcoming environment with staff or volunteers. We also host support groups that offer coping strategies and emotional support. Other services include integrative therapies (Reiki, reflexology, acupuncture, massage and guided imagery), programs and workshops including creative arts and exercise classes that focus on relieving physical and emotional stress and building physical and emotional strength.
Cancer Connection offers programs and support free of charge for men, women and children living with a cancer diagnosis, their families and friends. You are welcome to attend as many programs as you would like, based on space availability. We offer additional classes and workshops in the spring and fall. You can call our center and ask to be added to the mailing list for our next program guide.
Priority for our programs is given to those currently in treatment along with their family and caregivers. All programs, unless noted, are held at Cancer Connection:
41 Locust Street in Northampton, MA.
Many classes can accept new participants, even if the class has already started. Call today to ask about joining!
Visit our website, http://cancer-connection.org/programs, for a listing of current programs or call our office and we can mail you our current program guide.