Cancer Survivors Participate in LiveSTRONG Challenge

There are some technical difficulties, such as having to shoot directly into the sun, that took away a lot from this package. I'm also going to defend myself by saying it was a really busy Saturday and the time allotted just didn't allow for me to do it justice, but since I haven't updated in a while, I think I'll throw it up anyways because it was a well deserved event.

by Christine Reckner

creckner@timesherald.com

WHITPAIN — “For me, everyone crossing the finish line has a story,” Mary Danielsen said as she handed a cancer survivor a yellow rose and congratulated him. 

 “This part of the race is always very passionate."

On Saturday, Aug. 18, approximately 4300 individuals participated in the first half of the LiveSTRONG Challenge, hosted by Montgomery County Community College. Saturday’s portion of the challenge included a 5k walk/run and a 10k walk/run; many participants didn’t choose one or the other, but both.

“What makes this event unique is 100 percent of the proceeds raised by participants goes directly to support our programs to improve the lives of all people affected by cancer,” said Rae Bazzarre, Director of Communications for the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

Participants raised an estimated $2 million, all of which will go toward people affected by cancer, including friends, loved ones, caregivers and health care providers.

Bazzare states one of the reasons for the strong turnout is almost everyone is affected by cancer in some way.

“This is a disease that doesn’t discrimate between age, gender, ethnicity. It’s a disease that crosses all boundaries,” said Bazzare.

The runners and walkers, many sporting bright, yellow shirts with the slogan “Pick a Fight” were cheered on by the crowd in a course that began in the Morris Road lot and proceeded through Blue Bell Knoll, onto Plymouth Road Road into Lower Gwynedd Township and then back to the college via Normandy Drive.

Every cancer survivor that completed the race was handed a yellow rose at the finish line.

Sunday, Aug. 19, features 45- and 100-mile bike rides, as well as an appearance by Lance Armstrong.