Special for IFN

More than 400 people participated in the recent Lacing Up for a Cure 5K at the Statesville Family YMCA, raising approximately $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 area cancer patients through the Cancer Patient Support Fund of the Iredell Health Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the health system. This fund helps anyone receiving active cancer treatment who needs assistance with transportation, accommodation, support group activities and discretionary support.

The idea for a 5K came from a request from a nurse at Iredell Health.

“A nurse at the hospital 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 raise money than a 5K,” said Judy Porter, oncology navigator for Iredell Health System. “I work with many cancer patients who face financial barriers. Money raised from this event will allow patients to focus more on their recovery and less on transportation and food insecurity.

“I am still impressed with the success of this event,” added Jamie Cash, Care Transitions Navigator for Iredell Health System. “It was amazing to see the number of people who came out Saturday morning to run, cheer on the runners and volunteer in any way necessary.”

Iredell Health’s initial goal was to raise $10,000. Actual proceeds are more than triple that, with estimated proceeds totaling $35,000. All proceeds go directly to those fighting cancer in our community.

“This 5k was much more than I expected. This money will allow us to help many of our patients who are struggling with financial issues in addition to battling cancer,” Cash explained. “None of this would have been possible without the dedicated team of people who agreed to help plan and coordinate this event. »

Porter shared a similar sentiment.

“Over the months of coordination, it has truly warmed my heart to see so many people from our health system, our community and survivors working together for a common cause. I want to especially thank Jamie and all the wonderful volunteers who brought this together.

Special thanks to the event sponsors: Abby’s Smart Girls; Pence Farms; Bobcat Doosan; Will and Susan Fanjoy; Be well Iredell; Optimized hospitalists; Charles Ashe; Dr. David Cash; Tom Sherrod; Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County; Free News from Iredell; 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.