Rockingham Times

DOVER—More than $354,000 (and counting!) has been successfully raised to support the world-class care of the Seacoast Cancer Center during the Wentworth-Douglass Charitable Foundation’s Seacoast Cancer 5K weekend.

The weekend, which included the “Light Up The Night” Community Celebration on Sept. 24 and the Seacoast Cancer 5K on Sept. 25, was held for the first time at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital’s Portsmouth Outpatient campus on the Pease Tradeport. Previous races were held at the hospital’s main campus in Dover, with the last two races being run virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nearly 1,800 people participated in this year’s Seacoast Cancer 5K, presented by Title Sponsor, Somersworth Nissan.

“The combination of the race returning to an in-person event and holding it at a new, larger location, added a lot of excitement and new energy to this year’s race,” said Paul Fennessy, chair of the Seacoast Cancer 5K Committee. “We felt that energy throughout the entire weekend. People were excited to gather again and honor their loved ones. We really appreciated all the participants who put so much effort into raising funds for the Seacoast Cancer Center, and we loved hearing stories about how the cancer center’s staff helped them through a difficult time. It was an uplifting weekend from start to finish.”

Brian Scalabrine, NBC Sports Boston Celtics color analyst and former Boston hoops favorite, once again served as the Honorary 5K Team Captain and was there to send runners off at the starting line. This was Scalabrine’s fourth year of involvement with the Seacoast Cancer 5K and he said that his belief in the Seacoast Cancer Center’s mission is what keeps him coming back.

“The one thing that really resonated with me when the Seacoast Cancer Center and Wentworth-Douglass approached me was the fact that they focus on supporting the patient and their family. There are many people fighting cancer that worry more about their families than themselves, that’s why it’s so important to have a support system in place for the entire family so they will know how to get through all the challenges cancer comes with,” Scalabrine said. “I was thrilled to be back again this year and lend my support and I was especially happy to be able to talk to people in person again and share some fist pumps and high fives.”

Cameron Cook, 27, was the overall men’s division winner with a time of 15:43, and Anna Noble, 25, secured the fastest time in the women’s division with a time of 19:23.

The top fundraising teams for the Seacoast Cancer 5K were:

·       Team BS, $18,209 raised, Team Captain: Kendra Sherburne

·       Team Atwood, $12,234 raised, Team Captain: Terri Atwood

·       HEIDI S - Heidi's Entourage for Imperative Donations and Impactful Service, $8,829 raised, Team Captain: Amelia Stucker

The top individual fundraisers were:

·       Kendra Sherburne, Team BS, Total Raised: $8,304

·       Scott Chrane & Sarah Keegan, Total Raised: $2,485

·       Sarah Eckenberger, Team #Sweet200, Total Raised: $1,325

The “Light Up The Night” Community Celebration held the evening before the race, honored cancer patients, their families, and providers. More than 300 attendees enjoyed live music from Being Petty, a Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Tribute Band, food from Vida Cantina, KidZone activities, a beer and beverage garden, and a 2-on-2 basketball game between Brian Scalabrine and Jadd Naamani of WOKQ and their teammates.

The celebration concluded with a Survivor Lap in honor of those who have been lost, those who have fought, and those who are still fighting. Participants walked along a path illuminated by glow sticks held by cancer center staff, to symbolize the light and warmth they bring to each patient’s cancer journey. A moment of silence preceded the emotional walk and served as a powerful reminder of what the Seacoast Cancer 5K is truly all about. 

Dr. Barbara Civiello, Medical Director of Medical Oncology at the Seacoast Cancer Center, and the Physician Chair of the 2022 Seacoast Cancer 5K, took time at the event to honor Seacoast Cancer Center staff.

Civiello was joined on stage by Dr. David Coppola, Medical Director of Surgical Oncology and Medical Director of General Surgery, Dr. Arul Mahadevan, Medical Director of Radiation Oncology, Susan Gallagher, RN and Ellen Caille, executive vice president at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital. Each staff member received a pink rose – a symbol of gratitude and appreciation.

“The dedicated staff at the Seacoast Cancer Center become like family to our patients while they are receiving treatment. I’m very grateful for their tireless efforts and warm spirit of caring,” Civiello said. “The fact that so many people participate in the Seacoast Cancer 5K is also a tribute to our staff. Their efforts to raise funds for the cancer center ensures that our staff can continue to deliver world-class care to future families in need of cancer treatment.”

Fennessy was honored as the first recipient of the Rae of Hope Award for his continued involvement in the Seacoast Cancer 5K.

The award was named after Rae Ann Chrane, a volunteer extraordinaire who poured her heart and soul into the Seacoast Cancer 5K every year since its inception. Chrane passed away in May 2022, and the award was established to honor a volunteer who embodies her spirit of volunteerism and who has excelled in their support of Wentworth-Douglass Charitable Foundation’s Seacoast Cancer 5K. 

The Seacoast Cancer 5K will return to Portsmouth next year on Sept. 24, 2023.

Fundraising for the Seacoast Cancer Center continues through Oct. 31. Go to https://seacoastcancer5k.org/ to donate.

Other ways to support the Seacoast Cancer Center through the month of October, include the VIP Celtics Experience raffle in which ticket purchasers have the chance to live like a VIP in Boston for a night. The once-in-a-lifetime package includes luxury hotel accommodations at the Marriot Courtyard Boston Downtown ($250 value), dinner at Tavern In the Square ($150 gift card), two tickets to a Boston Celtics game at the TD Garden featuring a photo opportunity with Brian Scalabrine on the parquet floor, $200 to spend at the NBA store and transportation is included thanks to a $50 Uber gift card. Raffle tickets at $10 each or five (5) for $40 and can be purchased by texting CELTICSVIP to 41444 or visiting SeacoastCancer5K.org. The winning ticket will be drawn on Nov. 1.

Finally, 5K Title Sponsor Somersworth Nissan is holding its annual Drive For The Cure sales event through Oct. 31. With the purchase of any vehicle, the dealership donates $200 to the Seacoast Cancer Center. To date, this annual event has raised over $100,000 for local cancer patients. This year’s fundraising goal is $30,000. Visit SomersworthNissan.com for full details.

In addition to Somersworth Nissan, the Wentworth-Douglass Foundation would like to thank the following sponsors: iHeart Media: Greg and the Morning Buzz; The Hotel Concord; Townsquare Media-WOKQ 97.5; Novocure; Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital Network; First Seacoast Bank; Mass General Cancer Center; Blue Dolphin Screen Print & Embroidery; Radiation Oncology Associates; Wentworth-Douglass Hospital Seacoast Cancer Center-Medical Oncology & Hematology; D.F. Richard Energy, Inc.; AstraZeneca; Shaheen & Gordon; Kennebunk Savings Bank; Knights Construction; LOCALiQ; Thistle Communications; Dermatology & Skin Health; Win-Waste Innovations; SeaCoast Dermatology; Newburyport Bank; GDI Services, Inc., Binnie Media; J.Group Hospitality; Sodexo; Sulloway & Hollis, P.L.L.C.; A.P. Dailey Custom Laminating Corp.; Calling All Cargo; Drum Center of Portsmouth; Hanger Clinic; Holy Rosary Credit Union; Leone, McDonnell & Roberts, P.A.; New England Life Care; Otter Creek Homes; Piscataqua Landscaping & Tree Service; Proulx Oil & Propane; Runner’s Alley; Snow Squall, LLC; Specialized Roofing Co., Inc.; Sprague Flooring Covering; St. Mary’s Bank; Stonewall Kitchen and Stormwater Compliance, LLC.

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