About 300 runners, walkers, and volunteers gathered at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospital on Saturday, April 6 for the first annual Heels Up for Healing 5K race. The smash hit event raised close to $8,000 in support of bringing 3D Mammography to the hospital.
One in eight women is diagnosed with breast cancer, and this revolutionary screening and diagnostic breast imaging tool will improve early detection, which will save lives.
Residents and staff from the Homestead at Soldiers & Sailors offered a rousing rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner,” just prior to the start of the race. All participants – including the two-legged, four-legged, and stroller propelled – enjoyed the gentle hills and picturesque beauty of the course.
The race was the brainchild of Amy Lee, a dietician at the hospital, who was overwhelmed by the number of participants and supporters for this inaugural event.
Following the race, Lee said, “I want to thank everyone for coming out to support the cause this weekend. The community involvement was unbelievable. The smiles carried over the finish line by runners, walkers, children and puppies made my vision of this race come true. I am beyond excited to see this event grow and look forward to continuing to work with the community to improve it each year! We had a blast and can’t wait to see what next year brings!”
The overall winners were: First Place Female: Joddie Decker, First Place Male: David Young. The top three finishers, male and female, in each age group were awarded prizes and the over-21 winners were offered their choice of a bottle of local wine, donated by many generous wineries.
A huge thanks to all of our sponsors, including our $1,000 Diamond Sponsors: Coach & Equipment, Inc.; Lyons National Bank; and Penn Yan Plumbing & Heating and our $500 Silver Sponsors: Bow & Wow K9 Bed & Breakfast; Curbeau Realty; and Wegmans for their generosity and partnership. Their support will help ensure that Soldiers & Sailors can offer residents of Yates County and the surrounding areas access to cutting edge breast cancer screening.
Thanks also to all who made cash and in-kind donations as well as to the participants, volunteers, friends, family members and neighbors who made the event a success and who cheered on the athletes.
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