Contributed Story
ROCK HILL — Runners and ramblers from throughout the Hudson Valley will raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of America, the R4 Patient Fund, Catskill Regional Medical Center, and other worthy charities during the 20th Annual Rhulen Rock Hill Run & Ramble (R4) on June 16 in Rock Hill.
The 5K walk/run has raised more than $1 million for national and local charities and is one of the longest running road races in the Hudson Valley and Catskills.
“The Rhulen Run & Ramble is a traditional Father’s Day-weekend event that raises people’s awareness of blood-related cancers, and although the event is lots of fun, and focuses on health and wellness, we must remember why we do it – to save lives” said Suzanne Rhulen Loughlin, Race Director and daughter of the race’s honoree, the late Walter Rhulen.
“This year has been a sad one for the R4. We lost several friends near and dear to us—Josh Depew, Tammy Reichenbaugh and Erik Rosen. In their names, we will continue to raise funds to support the research needed to develop cures for blood related cancers and make a difference in the lives of patients.”
“We will continue to raise funds for the R4 Patient Fund which helps people with the uninsured portions of their medical bills, as well as for the necessary things that insurance never pays for, like gas money and hotels while undergoing treatment; tires that are worn out from all the driving; wigs to preserve the dignity of young girls and women undergoing treatment; eyeglasses for the patient whose vision has changed because of the treatment.”
The R4 also hosts a bone marrow drive, which began in 2008 when it was learned that 21-year-old Monticello resident Jared Carlew needed a transplant. Sadly, Carlew died before a transplant could be arranged, which happens to many patients because of the lack of available donors.
This year’s R4 Patient Fund recipient will be Brian Scott, age 50, from Jeffersonville. Brian was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma just before Christmas 2011. He is currently undergoing treatment with Crystal Run Healthcare and Catskill Regional Medical Center. Brian, a single father, resides with his three children, Nicholas, Christopher and Brittney, in Jeffersonville. Funds are raised for the Patient Fund through the sale of raffles. To buy raffle tickets or help sell tickets, call Resa at 794-3600.
Last year almost 900 runners and walkers participated in the Rhulen Rock Hill Run & Ramble, which raised more than $65,000 and donated $35,000 to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society; $14,000 to the R4 Patient Fund, benefiting Heather Mustavs, a 14-year-old from Roscoe; $2,500 to Catskill Regional Medical Center; $1,500 to DKMS, a national bone marrow bank; $1,500 to the United Way; and $1,000 to other individuals in need.
The race begins at 9 a.m. at the Frontier Insurance Building on Lake Louise Marie Road in Rock Hill and loops around scenic Lake Louise Marie. On-site registration starts at 7 a.m.; race officials are encouraging participants to pre-register by visiting the official race website at www.rockhillrun.com. The registration cost is $25; $10 for children 10 and under. T-shirts are guaranteed to the first 900 registrants.
Awards will be presented to the top three finishers in each age group. The overall 1st, 2nd and 3rd male /female runners will receive cash prizes of $500, $300 and $200. Awards will be given to the top three in each age group, as well as to the top three individual fundraisers who raise monies through donations, pledges or raffle sales, (as well as to the top three largest teams).
The 5K walk/run is held in honor of Walter A. Rhulen, a dedicated runner and local humanitarian who lost his battle with leukemia in 1998. Rhulen was the founder of Frontier Insurance Group in Rock Hill.
For more information, contact Race Director Suzanne Rhulen Loughlin at 796-9811 or visit www.rockhillrun.com.