All  dollars from entry fees and fundraising go to our grant-making fund (open to qualified organizations/programs in all 12 Capital Region counties) at the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region.  And be sure to check if your company does Corporate Matching for donations!  OR get an office team together!

Capital Region Special Surgery – Race for Hope Fund applications are now being accepted.

Applications Due February 21, 2013

The major goal of the Capital Region Special Surgery – Race for Hope Fund is to make grants to nonprofit organizations/programs serving uninsured and underinsured patients who are experiencing a financial hardship related to a brain, head, or neck cancer diagnosis in the Capital Region.

Capital Region Special Surgery Race for Hope Grant guidelines

Capital Region Special Surgery Race for Hope Grant application

So many people to thank!  This event could not happen each year without the tireless and generous support and partnership of all of our corporate donors and teams, fundraisers, volunteers, and, of course, those who come out to run and walk in the CRSS Race for Hope each year!

Can’t wait for next year – the 5th Annual CRSS Race for Hope!

A special thanks to our course director, Ken Skinner; water table captain, Harry Cooke, Glenn Cooper (Capital Area Radio Enthusiasts) and Stephen Marsh and family, our AWESOME timing folks and Josh Merliss of ARE Events, and to the very patient and kind officers of the Bethlehem Police and team from the Bethlehem DOT!

SPONSOR CREDITS:

Event Race Sponsors were PSEG, Albany Radiation and Oncology Associates, Albany Advanced Imaging, Fleet Feet Sports Albany and the Town of Bethlehem.

CRSS Race for Hope Media Partners included Times Union, WEXT and WTMM/ESPN “The Team”.

Thank you to University at Albany and the tremendous student, faculty and staff support they bring to our event today and to some of the wonderful UAlbany’s athletes, Women’s Basketball and Women’s Lacrosse who volunteered as our enthusiastic course marshalls!

A special thanks to Dr. Lee McElroy, UAlbany VP and Director of Athletics who will be honoring us as one of today’s 5K race starters.  Joining Dr. Lee will be the Musto family in honor of Maddie Musto and their incredible organization, Maddie’s Mark.

• Maddie’s Mark provides ‘best days ever’ for children suffering from major illness, and provides support for their families;
• Maddie’s Mark actively encourages child enrichment, through financial grants to improve public and private entertainment, educational and athletic facilities for children – including schools, parks, playgrounds, and theatres.

 Other Companies and Organizations supporting the event include the law office of Whiteman, Osterman and Hannah; M&T Bank; the law office of McNamee, Lochner, Titus & Williams; Key Bank; New York Oncology & Hematology (NYOH), Fort Orange Press; Crystal Rock Water; Chobani Yogurt; Teal,Becker and Chiarmonte CPAs; and Oberlander Group

We would like to thank the good folks at Hanndford Supermarkets who provided the post-5k snacks for runners and walkers and an emergency refrigerated truck!

Last year’s winners (2011 Full):

********** MALE OVERALL BEST ***********
Brian White, 33, M 18:31

********** FEMALE OVERALL BEST ***********
Sarah Antonaitis, 25, F 19:34

AGE GROUP:  10 – 16
Jack McGee, 16, M, 20:27     Emily Burns, 14, F,  21:37

Maddie’s Story or visit Maddie’s Mark

Madeline Musto, age five, an independent, kind and mature kindergartener was diagnosed with an inoperable brain stem tumor – known in the medical world as DIPG. In moments, our visions of boyfriends, proms, driving lessons and grandchildren became thoughts of how long, how come and how can we prepare our baby for heaven? Our doctor said, “Enjoy this time, even though it is hard, make the best of it. You will have a LONG time later to grieve and be sad.” This statement, in a way, determined our state of mind when we left the hospital. Life would be lived the way Madeline would love, filled with family, friends, crafts and adventures – a life of ‘best days ever’.

We are so excited to have ESPN radio, 104.5 on site at this year’s CRSS Race for Hope!  Listen this week to hear them get us all ready for the big day on Saturday!  And on race day they’ll have LOTS of great giveaways and fun activities for sports fans of all ages!

And there are more exciting announcements coming about who else will be at this year’s 5k run/walk! Are you registered yet? What are you waiting for?

Organized C.H.A.O.S. performing at UAlbany's Fall Festival

“Remission the best word you could ever hear. Before I had cancer it was a word. After experiencing the chemo and radiation I have a deep emotion for anyone going thru this.”

Name: Robert E. Swasey

Age: 62 Years Old

Hometown: Delmar, NY

1) What is your connection to the Capital region?   I grew up in Delmar, New York.   I started a landscape business in 1972 and over the years bought and built commercial property in Voorheesville, New York.  After this head and neck cancer I’ve been semi- retired, not by choice.

2) Who or what is the inspiration behind your participation/donation in this year’s Race for Hope? Dr. Awwad and Dr. Sara Scheid have been a big part of me being alive today. There are not enough words to thank them so hopefully I can support what they are a big part of.

3) Were there area resources that may not be easy to find, that perhaps could help others in a similar situation that you found yourself in at your initial diagnosis?  The cancer care center was great at St Peters Hospital. It was like having family with you all the time. The American Cancer Society was great -if you need something just ask. My personal experience was a 7 month battle to find what was ailing me after heart, lungs, sleep study, endoscopy, allergies and anxiety. Dr. Awwad finally found a lump in my neck. So my point is you need to get to the right doctors.

4) You are currently in remission.  How has your experience with the “c word” diagnosis changed your day to day living? “Remission”- the best word you could ever hear. Before I had cancer it was a word. After experiencing the chemo and radiation I have a deep emotion for anyone going thru this.

I now get up have a cup of coffee with my girlfriend, (who without her I would have never made it thru this) play with the dog , work thru the day until my body tells me that’s enough. Yes, it took this sickness to realize that money, work mean nothing when you lose your health. From me to you reading this you need your family and friends to get thru all this. I hope my trip to the bottom facing death can be of help to anyone with questions on head and neck cancer.

5) What are you looking forward to most on race day? Support the people that supported me. THANK YOU!