The streets of Solomons were filled with pink as more than 1,000 runners, walkers, cheering spectators, and volunteers came together for CalvertHealth’s 15th Annual Breast Cancer 5K Walk/Run. This year’s event was an overwhelming success, with the largest attendance ever and raising more than $175,000 to benefit the Sheldon E. Goldberg Center for Breast Care at CalvertHealth.
The annual 5K, held on Saturday, October 19, saw participants of all ages and fitness levels taking part in the race, united by one common cause – to support breast cancer awareness and local care. The vibrant sea of pink highlighted the community's dedication to fighting breast cancer, celebrating survivors, and honoring those impacted by the disease.
“Our annual Breast Cancer 5K continues to grow each year. This year alone, we had more than 1,000 registrants, and we are incredibly grateful for the generosity and support from our community, sponsors, and donors,” said Barry Friedman, CalvertHealth Foundation Board Vice Chair and Chair of the 5k Committee. “Raising more than $175,000 is a record-breaking achievement that will directly impact the lives of patients at the Sheldon E. Goldberg Center for Breast Care, ensuring that we can continue to provide leading-edge care and services.”
The funds raised will be used 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 recently affiliated with the Duke Cancer Network for cancer care. This relationship provides patients in the tri-county region with access to cancer research, treatment advances and clinical trials only available at the best cancer hospitals in the country.
Immediate Past 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. That's a number, in Calvert County, that is above the state and national average. 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 Grant Pennell, 17, with a time of 17:01.47 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/Chesapeake Potomac Regional Cancer Center; Silva Contracting; AVIAN; Buckler Electric; Constellation/Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant; American Radiology Services; Asbury Solomons; AV3; Belmont Point Management; Calvert Internal Medicine Group; City National Bank; Indian Township Solutions; McKinstry Consulting; Sneade's Ace Home Center; Bob Carpenter & Dr. Steve Peters, Seven Lands and Seas Travel; COA Barrett, LLC; College of Southern Maryland Alumni Association; Crane Service Company; Dickinson Jewelers; Escape Rooms Southern Maryland; Sandgates Inn; Schaefer Homes; Toyota of Southern Maryland; A & W Insurance Services; Baxter Baker; Cedar Point Federal Credit Union; Dixie Miller and Jim Ritter, In Memory of Jay Sorkin and Betty Ritter; Dr. Ramona E. Crowley Goldberg In Memory of Dr. Sheldon E. Goldberg; Empire Graphics; Garner Exteriors; Idea Solutions; M&T Bank; SMECO; TA Sports Ventures; The Groat Family; Calvert Marine Museum; Garage Doors and More and Imagine One Technology & Management.
First place overall winner, Grant Pennell, finished with a time of 17:01!
First place overall women’s winner, Lisa McGinnis, finished with a time of 19:43 congratulated by CalvertHealth President and CEO Jeremy Bradford, CalvertHealth Foundation Board of Trustee Vice Chair Barry Friedman, CalvertHealth Foundation Board of Trustee Chair Frank Smith.