Day Kimball Healthcare’s (DKH) Walk & Race presented by SPIROL International was held on August 10 in Putnam. More than 200 participants, volunteers and loyal supporters raised over $20,000 to benefit the Northeast Connecticut Cancer Fund of DKH.

DKH partnered with SPIROL International on the event, which included a 5 mile walk/run and a kids’ half-mile Fun Run.

“More than a race, this community event attracts individuals of all ages and levels of ability, along with a host of community volunteers that make it happen,” said Kristen Willis, DKH Director of Development. “We’re continually grateful to everyone involved and for helping to support our efforts in improving access to cancer-related screenings and treatment services for those in our community who are in need.”

This year’s Walk & Race Ambassador was Rich Mineo of Woodstock. Mineo was diagnosed with follicular b-cell lymphoma in the spring of 2016 and has since been a frequent visitor at DKH. His treatment plan consisted of two years of immunotherapy which he completed in August 2018.

With the expectation of needing more treatment down the road, Rich knows first-hand how important it is to keep cancer treatment in our community. He is committed to supporting the NECT Cancer Fund to help DKH in its mission to ensure that everyone in our community has access to critical cancer related health services regardless of their financial circumstances.

“I couldn’t be prouder or more humbled to have been selected as this year’s ambassador and to be participating in this event with so many supporters,” said Mineo. “Being able to be treated at Day Kimball, close to home, was very important to me and the care I received was exceptional. I will do whatever I can do to help ensure that other patients and their families facing a cancer diagnosis have the resources to access the same great care at our community hospital that was afforded to me.”

Since its inception, the annual Walk & Race has raised over $1.3 million dollars for the NECT Cancer Fund to help provide residents of Northeast Connecticut who are fighting cancer with financial assistance for their medical care.

The Walk & Race remains one of Day Kimball Healthcare’s and Northeast Connecticut’s most popular and long-standing events, and is one of five fundraising activities this year that support the NECT Cancer Fund of DKH. The four other events include Guest Bartender Night held in March, Annual Wine Tasting held in May, Annual Cruisin’ for Cancer Care held in June, and Celebrity Scoops Night held in August. Over $50,000 has been raised over the past year through these events in support of the Fund.

Top female and male winners of the 2019 Walk & Race for the NECT Cancer Fund were Linda Spooner from Sturbridge, MA with a time of 33:59, and Scott Bushey of Hebron, CT with a time of 27:05. Details for all participants can be found at daykimball.org/race.

About the NECT Cancer Fund of DKH
The Northeast Connecticut Cancer Fund of DKH provides financial assistance for cancer-related screening and treatment services to individuals living in Northeast Connecticut who otherwise may not have the financial resources to obtain needed medical attention. Through the generous contributions of local businesses, community members, and various events like the Walk & Race, more than $1.3 million has been raised for the Fund since its inception in 1989, all of it staying local, exclusively to help residents of Northeast Connecticut. To learn more about the NECT Cancer Fund of DKH visit daykimball.org/nectcancerfund.

PHOTO CAPTIONS (in order of appearance):
Photo Credit Kayli Ann Wilfong
2019-08_walk-race-start-of-walk: 2019 Walk & Race Ambassador, Rich Mineo, leads participants at the start line.

2019-08_walk-race-start-of-run-500: Runners of the 2019 Walk & Race for the NECT Cancer Fund of DKH kick off the event at Black Dog Bar & Grille.

2019-08_walk-race-Male-Open-Winner: 2019 Walk & Race for the NECT Cancer Fund of DKH male open winner Scott-Bushey.

2019-08_walk-race-Female-Open-Winner: 2019 Walk & Race for the NECT Cancer Fund of DKH female open winner Linda Spooner.

2019-08_walk-race-Male-70-&-Over-Winners: 2019 Walk & Race for the NECT Cancer Fund of DKH male winners age 70 and older Alfred DiBonaventura and James Ducrow.

2019-08_walk-race-Kids-Fun-Run: 2019 Walk & Race for the NECT Cancer Fund of DKH Kids Fun Run participants and winners recognized at the event.