07/16/2018
Running in Stephanie's Memory
After most of the runners and walkers crossed the finish line at last year’s Seacoast Cancer 5K, a moving scene was taking place up on the hill above the race’s festivities. Team Solidarity for Steph was releasing butterflies into the sky in memory of Stephanie Jennings, their loved one who had died of lung cancer just three months prior.
“We had formed the team to run in her honor, but we ended up doing it in her memory,” recalls Stephanie’s sister Christine Sorice, of Manchester, team captain of Solidarity for Steph.
In an outpouring of love for Stephanie and support for her family, Team Solidarity for Steph grew and grew in the weeks leading up to the event. On race day, Christine handed out close to 75 bright blue team T-shirts with green butterflies emblazoned on the chest. Team members in tutus, wings, and funny hats gathered at the starting line to celebrate Stephanie’s life.
Together, the team also raised close to $2,000 in support of the Seacoast Cancer Center, where Stephanie had been a patient of Dr. Barbara Civiello. Funds raised by teams like Solidarity for Steph support vital cancer services right here in our community. Proceeds from past 5Ks have provided free Care-Van transportation for patients to and from appointments, purchased Radiant Wraps and Comfy Chemo shirts to help make treatments easier, and funded support groups and activities for patients and families that create community and enhance resilience.
It’s anticipated that in 2018 this event will surpass $1 million raised since its inception five years ago.
“I had promised Stephanie I’d win it for her, and I actually placed 2nd in my age group. I had never placed in a race before. I was running it for her that day, and I definitely felt that motivation pushing me on the course,” says Christine. “The Seacoast Cancer 5K has helped me to honor my sister’s memory, and I look forward to being part of it again this year.”
To register, donate or learn more about the 2018 event, visit SeacoastCancer5K.org.