The third annual Emmanuel Cancer Foundation (ECF) 5K Run and Walk to Help Kids with Cancer is set to take place on Saturday, April 2 at 10 a.m. at the RiverWinds Community Center in West Deptford. Registration is now open for runners and walkers.
The rain or shine event will consist of a 5K run, for those wanting a professionally-timed race, alongside a two-mile casual walk. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the non-profit organization to help families impacted by childhood cancer.
“The Emmanuel Cancer Foundation has four locations across New Jersey, providing emotional, material and financial assistance to families that have a child with cancer,” Mary Ann Sullivan, southern regional director of the ECF said.
The ECF provides assistance to families in New Jersey faced with pediatric cancer. Their services include around-the-clock counseling, emergency financial relief, gifts during holidays and advocacy on behalf of the families with medical providers, insurance companies, landlords and more. During the 2019-2020 season, ECF served over 250 families across the state.
With their southern regional center in Woodbury Heights, ECF helps families in seven southern N.J. counties. Their other state offices are in Clark, Midland Park and Wall.
Check-in for the race is set for 9 a.m. and registration for the run costs $25 per person and $20 for walkers. Donations to the race without participation are also accepted.
“Pediatric cancer takes an overwhelming toll on a family in so many ways,” Sullivan said. “Most ECF families were already living below the poverty line, and with this tragic diagnosis often comes greater financial need due to mom leaving her job, bridge tolls, gas, parking fees, meals for the family while they are with the child in the hospital and uncovered medical expenses.”
RiverWinds Community Center at 1000 Riverwinds Drive in West Deptford is housing the event. For more information on the upcoming fundraiser and how to register, visit bit.ly/ECFrunwalk2022. Online registration ends Friday, April 1 at 6 p.m. Race t-shirts will be available for pre-registrants until Thursday, March 24.
ECF is also hosting a spring tea party on Sunday, May 22 from 2 to 5 p.m. for families to enjoy an afternoon of good food and fun. More information can be found on their website at emmanuelcancer.org.
If interested in sponsoring the race, contact Mary Ann Sullivan at 856-853-4803 or [email protected]. There are sponsor ranks: $50 for bronze level, $100 for silver level, $200 for gold level and $500 for platinum level. Each level provides different types of recognition and memorabilia. A current platinum level sponsor is Elmer Bank, but the foundation continues to look for more interest in donating.
