Griffin Hospital 5K Walk/Run in Derby returns to the fall

Participants photographed at the start of the 2016 5K Walk/Run. /Contributed photo  

DERBY - The Ninth Annual 5K Walk/Run to benefit the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital is moving back to the fall.

This non-competitive, family-friendly event is set for Sept. 30 at the Griffin Hospital Center for Cancer Care, 350 Seymour Ave.

Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. with the Walk/Run kicking off at 9 a.m. 

Pre-registration is encouraged, and the first 500 registered participants will receive T-shirts. Registration is $25. The registration fees will increase by $5 after Sept. 15.

Proceeds are earmarked for special needs of cancer patients, such as support for transportation, groceries, and wig and salon services, as well as patient support programs at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital. 

In addition to funding direct patient care needs, the proceeds from this year’s 5K will support the purchase of technological advances in Griffin’s Radiation Oncology department to provide exceptional cancer care that is comprehensive, comforting, and close to home.

The 5K draws walkers and runners from the Lower Naugatuck Valley, including Derby, Ansonia, Shelton, Seymour, Oxford, Naugatuck, and all over the state. 

The 5K Walk/Run was started by the caregivers of the Cancer Center as a way to raise funds to purchase wigs for patients. 

The first Walk/Run exceeded expectations drawing over 200 participants and raising more than $25,000, providing opportunity for additional financial support for patients as they undergo cancer treatment. 

Now in its ninth year, the 5K has drawn thousands of participants over the years and raised more than $300,000 to help support local cancer survivors.

Participants can walk or run individually, or form a team with their family, friends and co-workers. Participants are encouraged to collect pledges or purchase a commemorative sign to honor or memorialize a loved one at the event.

Individuals and teams can register online at griffinhealth.org/5K. 

For more information, call 203-732-7466 or e-mail 5Kwalkrun@griffinhealth.org.

Sponsor the Griffin 5K

The 5K Walk/Run to benefit the Center for Cancer Care still has sponsorship opportunities available, which include signage at the event, company logo on back of participant T-shirts, and opportunities to distribute promotional products at the event.

For more information about sponsorships, contact Laura Murphy at 5kwalkrun@griffinhealth.org or 203-732-7466.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.