Cancer Care Run & Walk on Oct. 11 Supports Patients, Community
When Lancaster resident Rich Martin was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018, one of the first things he did was sit down with his wife and make a list. “I’m of the belief that if I don’t put things down in writing, they won’t happen, so I decided to make a list of everything I was going to do and not do moving forward,” Rich said.
In addition to telling his wife every day how much he loves her, Rich’s list also included commitments to live a healthier lifestyle, show gratitude and praise, and take time to educate and help others. On Oct. 11, he will be doing just that when he shares his cancer story during the annual TWIG 1 Cancer Care Run & Walk, which raises money for local cancer patients who are receiving treatment at Fairfield Medical Center.
“Everyone knows someone who needs help,” Rich explained. “I’ve found that giving back to others helps take my mind off the cancer. In fact, the only time I think about my cancer is when I go to a doctor’s appointment.”
Rich, who also shared his story at FMC’s Cancer Survivor’s Day celebration in June, knows his situation is not unique. He hopes by sharing his story, he can provide inspiration to others who may be battling cancer or supporting a loved one who is going through it.
“From day 1, I told myself that I was not going to let cancer dictate who I am or what I can do,” Rich said. “Will I have bad days? Yes, but I will not let them defeat me.”
The Cancer Care Run & Walk is held every October at Marten’s Park in Lancaster and includes a 5K and two-mile walk. Last year, the event raised more than $14,000 and brought together 250 cancer patients, survivors, and their supporters for a morning of fitness and fellowship. TWIG 1, which is one of six philanthropic arms of the FMC Foundation, organizes the event every year and feels passionately about the cause, partly because several of their members have battled cancer themselves. The group works hard to ensure that the event is not only fun for those who enjoy 5Ks, but meaningful and uplifting for those who have been personally impacted by cancer.
“Every year, we reach out to a cancer survivor like Rich to speak prior to the beginning of the race about their experience,” said TWIG 1 member Risha Wagner. “They share their story and how they have been touched by Fairfield Medical Center, the FMC Foundation, our providers, and the Cancer Care & Infusion Center. After they share what this support means to them and their family, there is not a dry eye in the crowd.”
The event itself is held on a flat, paved bike path to ensure that everyone – whether they are running, walking, or using a wheelchair – can participate (individuals can even participate virtually). The finish line is decorated with memorial signs honoring those who have fought cancer, and a course sweeper team always closes out the event, ensuring that no one finishes last.
“We have a great number of participants that have been affected by cancer or may be battling cancer themselves, so we want everyone to feel proud and victorious when they cross that finish line,” Risha said.
Three years ago, the Cancer Care Run & Walk became a part of the RUNColumbus race series, which has helped to promote the event outside of Lancaster and draw in more participants. TWIG 1 hopes that momentum continues to build so more patients can continue to receive financial assistance for nutritional supplements, life-saving screenings, and diagnostic testing.
“TWIG 1 is so honored to make a difference in the community and support local cancer patients,” Risha said.
The Annual Cancer Care Run & Walk will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11 at Martens Park, 710 Lincoln Ave, Lancaster. The 5K Run and 2-mile walk will start and end at Marten’s Park and there will be a separate start for each event. To register, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/OH/Lancaster/CancerCareRun.
Early registration ends on Sept. 7 and is $30 per person (guaranteed long-sleeve t-shirt). Registration from Sept. 8-Oct. 10 is $35 per person. Race day registration is $40. Packet pick-up will take place from 7:30-8:45 a.m. on race day.
