Press Release from The Cancer Institute of New Jersey
September 20, 2007
Michele Fisher
732-235-9872
fisherm2@umdnj.edu
Annual “High Speed Chase for the Cure 5K
Run/3K Walk” Raises Nearly $20K
CINJ Programs and Patient Relief Fund to Benefit from Proceeds
|
NEW BRUNSWICK — Nearly $20,000 was raised for The Cancer Institute of New Jersey during the fifth-annual High Speed Chase for the Cure 5K Run/3K Walk, which took place earlier this month at Rutgers Louis Brown Athletic Center in Piscataway.
High Speed Chase for the Cure was started in 2003 by Rutgers University police officers as a way to honor one of their own, as 26-year veteran of the force, Detective Robert “Mac” McIntyre lost his battle with cancer in 1999. The annual event raises money to support cancer research, treatment, community outreach and to assist cancer patients with financial needs they may have during treatment including the purchase of medications; medical supplies and equipment; transportation to and from CINJ on treatment days and other necessities. CINJ provides comprehensive care to all patients regardless of ability to pay. Last year, CINJ had more than 73,000 patient visits. Since the event’s inception, nearly $40,000 has been raised to support these items, including the total from this year’s event.
The year’s event was sponsored by Citi Smith Barney, and was held in partnership with the Rutgers University Police Department, the Rutgers Student Movement Against Cancer organization (SMAC); the Rutgers Daily Targum; the Rutgers University Division of Student Affairs; the Rutgers Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Association and Pan-Hellenic Council; and the Cancer Institute of New Jersey Foundation (CINJF).
The event attracted nearly 400 supporters, which is the largest group of participants ever for the race, according to event organizers. Leanne Kochy, director of special events for CINJF, is pleased the event continues to grow, “Our patients, their families and communities throughout the state benefit from this wonderful collaboration between the students, law enforcement, business and the greater Piscataway/New Brunswick communities. Their generosity will support cancer care, education and research that will find better ways to treat, control and prevent cancer.”
Brendan and Christopher Foley are brothers who are financial advisers at the New Brunswick office of Citi Smith Barney, which for the second consecutive year served as the event sponsor. The Foley’s are hopeful that their involvement in the event will serve as inspiration to other New Brunswick businesses to come together in future years, “There are some things that require a great partnership such as the fight against cancer. We are especially pleased that our firm Citi Smith Barney once again is supportive of our efforts on that front, and we’re looking forward to partnering with the Rutgers community and the Cancer Institute of New Jersey Foundation again in the future.”
Rutgers University Police Officer Leroy Washington is a founding member of the event and notes it will be a continued mission for the force, “We in law enforcement have our daily jobs to do, but we also recognize the greater commitment in serving one’s community by fostering and taking part in events such as this. Everyone’s lives are touched by cancer, whether it’s a relative, friend, neighbor or co-worker. It is for that reason we continue to come together with the purpose of helping to provide the resources necessary to battle this devastating disease.”
Don Heilman, director of Student Compliance, Student Policy, Research and Assessment at Rutgers University notes, “It’s been our privilege to be in partnership with Citi Smith Barney, the Rutgers Police Department and the Cancer Institute of New Jersey Foundation for it is a true community effort. Many Rutgers students make the New Brunswick and Piscataway campuses their home for four or more years. They appreciate the opportunity to embrace the community they’re living in and to give back whenever possible.”
The CINJ Foundation raises funds to support cancer research, treatment, prevention and education programs of CINJ. Gifts are received from corporations, foundations, individuals, special events and through planned gifts. To make a tax-deductible gift to New Jersey’s only NCI -designated Comprehensive Cancer Center call 732-235-8614 or visit http://www.cinj.org/Foundation/index.htm
About The Cancer Institute of New Jersey
The Cancer Institute of New Jersey is the state’s first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, and is dedicated to improving the prevention, detection, treatment and care of patients with cancer. CINJ’s physician-scientists engage in translational research, transforming their laboratory discoveries into clinical practice quite literally bringing research to life. The Cancer Institute of New Jersey is a center of excellence of UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
The Cancer Institute of New Jersey Network is comprised of hospitals throughout the state and provides a mechanism to rapidly disseminate important discoveries into the community. Partner Hospitals: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Atlantic Health (Morristown Memorial Hospital and Overlook Hospital). Affiliate Hospitals: Bayshore Community Hospital, CentraState Healthcare System, Cooper University Hospital*, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, JFK Medical Center, Raritan Bay Medical Center, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Hamilton (CINJ-Hamilton), Saint Peter’s University Hospital, Somerset Medical Center, Southern Ocean County Hospital, The University Hospital/UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School*, and University Medical Center at Princeton. *Academic Affiliate
