For more information, contact Community Relations at:
09/19/2022
The Wentworth-Douglass Foundation is pleased to announce that after two years running virtually, the Seacoast Cancer 5K is returning to an in-person event and is moving to Portsmouth.
The event, presented by Title Sponsor, Somersworth Nissan, will be held on Sunday, Sept. 25 at the hospital’s Portsmouth Outpatient Center on the Pease Tradeport, 67 Corporate Drive, Building C.
The Seacoast Cancer 5K is one of the largest road races in the region and typically welcomes nearly 2,000 runners and walkers in support of the world-class, lifesaving care provided to local cancer patients and their families at the Seacoast Cancer Center. The 5K fundraising event is a celebration of life for those impacted by cancer including patients, survivors, caregivers, and their families.
“As we bring the community back together after two years of a virtual road race, we anticipate this year to be bigger than ever before and moving the event to Portsmouth will allow us to accommodate that growth, while giving the Seacoast community the chance to experience this great event on a fast and flat course,” said Paul Fennessy, Chair of the Seacoast Cancer 5K Committee. “Every year we are inspired by the amazing stories of cancer survivors, and those still fighting, and we look forward to once again celebrating with them and honoring their journey.”
The public is also invited to attend the “Light Up The Night” Community Celebration to honor cancer patients and their families and to recognize the providers who often become like family. The event will take place Saturday, Sept. 24 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Wentworth-Douglass Hospital Portsmouth Outpatient Center. This family-friendly event is free to attend and will feature live music, food catered by Vida Cantina, a beer and beverage garden for those 21-plus, KidZone activities, fundraising activities by 5K teams and a survivor lap to honor all those impacted by cancer.
“This is our largest fundraising event we are thrilled to welcome everyone back for an in-person race. Nothing compares to the energy and inspiration of the Seacoast Cancer 5K!” said Cristine More, Vice President of Philanthropy at the Wentworth-Douglass Foundation. “And finally, after two previous attempts, we are excited to launch the Community Celebration the night before as an opportunity to honor our patients, families, and providers.”
Funding raised by the Seacoast Cancer 5K allows the multi-disciplinary care team at the Seacoast Cancer Center to provide complimentary supportive, wellness and integrative therapies to care for their patients and their families.
“Every dollar raised by the Seacoast Cancer 5K stays in the Seacoast community,” says More.
Last year’s virtual event, which took place over two weeks in September, featured over 1,488 participants and raised a record-breaking $400,000. This year the Wentworth-Douglass Foundation is hoping to raise $500,000.
Dr. Barbara Civiello, Medical Director of Medical Oncology at the Seacoast Cancer Center and the Physician Chair of the 2022 Seacoast Cancer 5K, commented about the impact of the event. “This event raises critical funds that enable our medical team to provide comprehensive and personalized world-class care to local cancer patients. The 5K has provided funding for advanced technology and equipment, survivorship and wellness programs often not covered by insurance and has allowed for continued education for our nursing staff. I am so grateful to all the runners, teams, volunteers, survivors, sponsors, and caregivers who support this event. They really do make a difference.”
Brian Scalabrine, NBC Sports Boston Celtics color analyst and former Boston hoops favorite, is returning for a fourth year as the event’s Honorary 5K Team Captain. Scalabrine, also known as “Scal” and “The White Mamba,” has become a fan-favorite among New England sports fans and his energy and enthusiasm has added a lot to the Seacoast Cancer 5K.
The in-person race is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. Those who can’t attend in-person are invited to participate virtually from September 17 through September 24 by downloading the RaceJoy app and choosing their 5K route.
In addition to Somersworth Nissan, other sponsors include: iHeart Media: Greg and the Morning Buzz; The Hotel Concord; Townsquare Media-WOKQ 97.5; Novocure; Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital Network; First Seacoast Bank; Mass General Cancer Center; Blue Dolphin Screen Print & Embroidery; Radiation Oncology Associates; Wentworth-Douglass Hospital Seacoast Cancer Center-Medical Oncology & Hematology; D.F. Richard Energy, Inc.; AstraZeneca; Shaheen & Gordon; Kennebunk Savings Bank; Knights Construction; LOCALiQ; Thistle Communications; Dermatology & Skin Health; Win-Waste Innovations; SeaCoast Dermatology; Newburyport Bank; GDI Services, Inc., Binnie Media; J.Group Hospitality; Sodexo; Sulloway & Hollis, P.L.L.C.; A.P. Dailey Custom Laminating Corp.; Calling All Cargo; Drum Center of Portsmouth; Hanger Clinic; Holy Rosary Credit Union; Leone, McDonnell & Roberts, P.A.; New England Life Care; Otter Creek Homes; Piscataqua Landscaping & Tree Service; Proulx Oil & Propane; Runner’s Alley; Snow Squall, LLC; Specialized Roofing Co., Inc.; Sprague Flooring Covering; St. Mary’s Bank; Stonewall Kitchen and Stormwater Compliance, LLC.
For more information, or to register, please visit www.SeacoastCancer5k.org