Running in memory of cancer victims
Published 9:42 pm Saturday, March 28, 2015
Runners in Saturday’s Bon Secours 5K for Colon Cancer set out from outside the Bon Secours Health Center at Harbour View. Organizers reported the most successful event in its five-year history, with 515 registered between the run and the 1-Mile Fun Walk that followed it.
It wasn’t easy for Roberta Wood to show up for a North Suffolk 5K against colon cancer on Saturday, and the wind chill wasn’t the reason why.
Only 41 days ago, Melissa Wood, her daughter, died from the disease at the age of 30.
“She fought colon cancer for the last four years,” Roberta Wood said.
Family and friends of Melissa Wood have fielded a team for the annual Bon Secours 5K for Colon Cancer for the past three years.
This year, they had the biggest team, according to Roberta Wood. “I think we are up to 52 or 53 people, and it might be more,” she said.
Despite the unseasonable biting wind, 441 runners signed up this year, and 69 had registered for the 1-Mile Fun Walk, just after the run, event spokeswoman Kasey Fuqua said.
The combined figure of 510 was a healthy increase from 415 last year.
“It’s a cold morning, but it’s a really important cause,” Fuqua said. “It’s a cause close to Bon Secours Hampton Roads’ heart, and, obviously, all of our teams’ hearts too.”
Marking Colon Cancer Awareness Month, the event not only raises awareness of America’s leading cancer killer and the importance of early detection, but also helps fight it by contributing to the Bon Secours Maryview Foundation Cancer Fund.
Beyond that, Fuqua said, “it’s an important way to remember people we have lost to colon cancer. We come out and remember people we have lost, people currently fighting colon cancer, and their families.”
Michele Jones ran in memory of her grandmother, Alice Curry, whose died of colon cancer a year ago at 85.
“She was an awesome woman,” Jones said. “Her whole attitude was to help others, so we continue that legacy in her honor.”
Fighting to hold back tears, Roberta Wood said it was hard to come out for the 5K this year, so soon after her daughter had lost her brave battle.
“These are all her friends, co-workers and family,” she said.
“It’s an ugly disease, and everybody has to be aware of it. You’ve got to be aware that it can be prevented.”
Those running in memory of Melissa Wood wore purple T-shirts designed by a friend of her cousin. It featured some of the things she loved most — a beach scene of a peaceful stretch of shoreline, complete with lighthouse. Footprints in the sand leading away from a pair of flip-flops awaiting their owner’s return. And a cupcake.
