Three-time cancer survivor Susie Roden founder and President of the Coalition for Women’s Cancers at Stony Brook, Southampton Hospital is thrilled about 2021 Virtual 5K Run/Walk beginning October 16th and ending on October 24th.
She said, “Obviously October is breast cancer awareness month, and believe or not I don’t even know how many years they have been doing it, but we have been part of it since its inception and the women on the committee from Shelter Island are so fabulous and so dedicated and we are so thankful that they do this walk. It’s tough because it’s virtual. Last year they were pretty successful, so I am hoping it will be just as successful. The money that is raised, half of it goes to the North Fork Breast Health Coalition and the other half goes to Coalition for Women’s Cancers at Stony Brook, Southampton Hospital and to Lucia’s Angels and I am also the VP of Lucia’s Angels.”
Ms. Roden emphasized the phenomenal work the coalition does with the funds especially the three-day retreat for cancer survivors. She explained it does not matter what stage of breast cancer one has – all are welcomed to attend. She said, “We earmark the money for our three-day retreat for breast cancer survivors…a lot of out of the box activities…but the best part is the bonding. We couldn’t do it without the funds of the Shelter Island Walk.”
Over the years anyone who has done the Shelter Island run/walk has had the unique opportunity to take part in a tradition and ritual that is the essence of community. The fanfare and pageantry of the event is pure Americana and hopefully someday will once again return to the actual run around the island so many love to experience. The sight of seeing all the folks running is magical especially with all the encouragement the participants get from the local Shelter Island residents who truly welcome all the runners and walkers to the island.
About doing the run virtually Ms. Roden confessed, “Everyone does it on their own pace in their own time which is lonely, you miss walking with your friends, you miss the wind blowing from the bay at Shelter Island, you miss the fabulous barbecue afterwards, but in this crazy upside-down world the virtual run probably is the only thing that we can do safely.”
Ms. Roden then brought the interview to a most salient point at the very end when she said, Now I am going to tell you that I am a three-time breast cancer survivor. After 25 years I was again diagnosed this year.
The beneficiaries of the run are The North Fork Breast Health Coalition, The Coalition for Women’s Cancers at Southampton Hospital and Lucia’s Angels.
Ms. Roden concluded by saying, “I must also give a heartfelt thanks to Maryellen and Dr Frank Adipietro, the entire committee, volunteers and all our sponsors. Thanks for making a difference in our local community.”
For more information about how to participate please visit the website below.
www.events.elitefeats.com/shelterfall21
