Runners raise $200,000 for cancer programs and services

Traditions over the past several months have had to change because of COVID-19, including the Lahey Cancer Institute 5K Walk & Run. It went virtual  to protect public health, but that didn’t stop more than  50 teams and nearly 500 people from  raising more than $200,000 to enhance cancer care and support patients across the five Lahey Cancer Institute hospitals and outpatient treatment facilities. Those funds will support critical services, including nurse navigators, genetic risk assessments, a cancer survivorship clinic and clinical research for people treated at the Lahey Cancer Institute.

“The COVID-19 pandemic certainly did not stop the amazing Lahey Cancer Institute 5K community that we’ve built together over the past 15 years,” said Paul J. Hesketh, MD, director of the Lahey Cancer Institute. “We are incredibly grateful for every participant who took the time to support our cancer patients and the vital services and programs that truly make a difference in the lives of our patients.”

In order to promote social distancing and curb the spread of the coronavirus, participants completed their own 5K over a 15-day period, from Friday, June 12 to Saturday, June 27. Participants chose their own activities including running, hiking, kayaking and swimming. 

Jean’s Angels, a team whose members walk in memory of their mother and grandmother every year, was the top fundraising team, bringing in $15,785. Jean Lamarre, the team’s namesake, received her cancer treatments at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center. “With the world as weird as it is right now, it was more important than ever to try and keep Jean’s Angels going strong to keep Mom’s memory alive,” said Judy Lamarre, team captain.

Jean’s Angels were closely followed by The Chemosabes, a team made up of 60 dedicated caregivers and colleagues from Lahey’s Sophia Gordon Cancer Center.  

Salter Healthcare was presenting sponsor of the Lahey Cancer Institute 5K Walk & Run. Salter Healthcare is a family-owned and operated health care provider and community partner of Lahey’s inpatient care. The organization has been a lead supporter of the event for 11 years.  Armstrong Ambulance and the Cummings Foundation were also lead sponsors of the event.

During the past 15 years, the Cancer 5K has raised $3.45 million to enhance care and support patients of the Lahey Cancer Institute.