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Health & Fitness

The Y's Mother's Day 5K Honors Mothers and Individuals Affected by Cancer

On Sunday, May 11, the Summit Area YMCA hosted the 13th Annual Mother’s Day 5K Run/Walk, a fundraising event that was held in downtown Berkeley Heights. The USATF sanctioned race, held each year on Mother’s Day, raises funds to support LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA, a free, 12-week recovery program for adult cancer patients and survivors to help them regain their total health.

As a leading, cause-driven organization, the Summit Area YMCA strengthens the community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

“The Mother’s Day 5K is a fun-filled event that brings the Y’s mission to life,” commented Paul Kieltyka, President and CEO of the Summit Area YMCA. “The race encourages family members to come together, from children to seniors, in a healthy way to celebrate moms while raising money for a great cause.”

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This year, the event raised more than $53,000 for the LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA Program. The research-based physical activity and well-being program is designed to help adult cancer survivors reclaim their total health and is offered at no cost to members and potential members alike. Participants work with Y staff, trained in supportive cancer care, to achieve their goals such as building muscle mass and strength; increasing flexibility and endurance; and improving confidence and self-esteem. In addition to physical benefits, LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA focuses on the emotional well-being of survivors and their families by providing a supportive community where people affected by cancer can connect during treatment and beyond. By focusing on the whole person and not the disease, LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA helps people move beyond cancer in spirit, mind and body.

The 2014 Mother’s Day 5K drew over 875 runners and walkers, which was the most ever, who ranged in age from 5 years old to 70 years old. The race’s top finishers were Chris Croff of Summit, male winner with a time of 16:05.2, and Sophie DeBode of Summit, female winner with a time of 19:53.4. Winners in each group include:

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Ages 6-9:

Male: Jeffrey Jacome of South Plainfield

Female: Hailey Messer of Summit

Ages 10-12:

Male: Ethan Chee of Berkeley Heights

Female: Betsy Keenan of Summit

Ages 13-19:

Male: Ian St Clair of Berkeley Heights

Female: Sarah Williams of Summit

Ages 20-29:

Male: William Miller of West Point

Female: Laura Kapilow of Berkeley Heights

Ages 30-39:

Male: Michael Weinmann of Summit

Female: Heather Kantorek of Berkeley Heights

Ages 40-49:

Male: Christoph Joralemon of Summit

Female: Linda Wolfe of Berkeley Heights

Ages 50-59:

Male: John Hendy of Berkeley Heights

Female: Suzanne Quense of Warren

Ages 60-74:

Male: Tom Cusimano of Westfield

Female: Kathleen Cronin of New Providence

The Summit Area YMCA is grateful for the generous support of the Mother’s Day 5K platinum sponsors, including Atlantic Health, Celgene Corporation and Investors Bank.

For more information on the Mother’s Day 5K Race, contact Caitlin Jensen, 908-738-2179, caitlin.jensen@thesay.org. To make a tax deductible donation to support the Y’s cause of strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, please visit thesay.org.





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