More than 700 runners, walkers, cheering spectators and volunteers crowded the streets and sidewalks of Solomons in a show of pink for CalvertHealth’s 14th Annual Breast Cancer 5K Walk/Run on Oct. 14. Through the combined efforts of sponsors, donors and participants, this year’s 5K brought in more than $102,000 to benefit the Sheldon E. Goldberg Center for Breast Care at CalvertHealth, which is now a Duke Health affiliate for cancer care. That relationship provides patients in the region with access to cancer research, treatment advances and clinical trials only available at the best cancer hospitals in the country.
CalvertHealth Foundation Trustee and 5K Committee Chair Barry Friedman said, “The 5K is more than just a race, it's an inspirational and encouraging experience for all participants. It spreads an incredible sense of hope and showcases what an amazing community we have here in Southern Maryland.” He continued, “These are the moments when our community's spirit shines its brightest.” For some, it was a way to show their support for a great cause, but for others, the event has a much deeper meaning. Many came to support a mom, to remember a friend, to celebrate a survivor or to honor a loved one.
Friedman said since its inception, the Breast Cancer 5K has raised more than $500,000 to support the critical work of the Sheldon E. Goldberg Center for Breast Care. These funds have helped further the center’s mission to provide women and men in Southern Maryland access to an experienced team of breast health experts and the most sophisticated technology available today.
CalvertHealth Foundation Board Chair Denise Bowman shared her own experience with breast cancer. “We talk about the rates of cancer being higher in our area and I am one of those statistics. I was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer at age 55. But I truly believe that CalvertHealth and its cancer care program can create survivors among all of us. I don't think of the diagnosis. I don't think of the treatment. I think about being a survivor. I think about being able to continue to live my life.” Bowman encourages all women to get their annual mammograms, acknowledging that early detection does, in fact, save lives.
The top finisher overall was Carlos Williamson, 16, with a time of 17:52 and in addition to thanking all the participants and donors for their support, on behalf of the 5K Committee, Friedman also extended a special thank you to all 5K sponsors, including Associates in Radiation Medicine; American Radiology Services; Asbury Solomons; Calvert Internal Medicine Group; City National Bank; Sneade's Ace Home Center; COA Barrett, LLC; College of Southern Maryland Alumni Association; Dickinson Jewelers; Dunkirk Vision; 231 Farm & Outdoor Sports; A&W Insurance Services, Inc.; Cedar Point Federal Credit Union; Comfort Keepers; Dr. Ramona E. Crowley, in Memory of Dr. Sheldon E. Goldberg; Empire Graphics; Garner Exteriors, Idea Solutions, Mr. Frank and Mrs. Linda Smith; McKinstry Consulting; Parraid, LLC.; Sam Barbieri Webster Group with RE/MAX United Real Estate; Spalding Consulting, Inc.; The Groat Family; A.H. Hatcher; Dixie Miller and Jim Ritter, In Memory of Jay Sorkin and Betty Ritter; KAIROS, Inc.; RE/MAX One and SMX Tech.
First place overall winner, Carlos Williamson, finished with a time of 17:52
First place overall women’s winner, Madison McCurry, finished with a time of 19:50 congratulated by CalvertHealth Foundation Board of Trustee Member Barry Friedman and CalvertHealth President and CEO Jeremy Bradford.
Residents of Asbury Solomons, show their continued support for the CalvertHealth 5K having raised over $2,000 for the Sheldon E. Goldberg Center for Breast and registering XX residents for this year’s walk.