Lacing Up for a Cure 5K Raises Money for Patients Battling Cancer

Over 400 people gathered to lace up for a cure on Saturday at the Statesville Family YMCA, raising an estimated $35,000 to help patients battling cancer in our community.

The Lacing Up for a Cure 5K, hosted by Iredell Health System, was created to raise community awareness and funds for cancer prevention, treatment, and recovery. All proceeds benefit local cancer patients through the Cancer Patient Support Fund of the Iredell Health Foundation, the health system’s philanthropic arm. This fund assists anyone receiving active cancer treatment that needs help with transportation, lodging, support group activities, and discretionary support. The idea of a 5K started with a request from an Iredell Health nurse.

“A hospital RN asked me if I could bring something like Relay for Life or the Susan G. Komen Race for a Cure back to Statesville. I thought it would be a great idea. What better way to fundraise than a 5K,” said Judy Porter, Oncology Navigator for Iredell Health System. “I work with many cancer patients with financial barriers. The money raised from this event will allow patients to focus more on getting well and less on transportation and food insecurities.”

“I am still in awe of how successful this event was,” said Jamie Cash, Care Transitions Navigator for Iredell Health System. “It was amazing to see the number of people who turned out Saturday morning to race, cheer on the racers, and to volunteer in whatever way they were needed.”

Iredell Health’s original goal was to raise $10,000. The actual proceeds are more than triple that with estimated proceeds totaling $35,000. All proceeds go directly to those battling cancer in our community.

“This 5K was so much more than I ever expected. This money will enable us to help so many of our patients that are dealing with financial issues in addition to battling cancer,” explained Cash. “None of this would have been possible without the hard-working team of individuals that agreed to be part of planning and coordinating this event.”

Porter shares a similar sentiment.

“Throughout months of coordinating, it totally warmed my heart to witness so many people from our health system, community, and survivors working together for a common cause. I want to give a special thank you to Jamie and all the wonderful volunteers that brought this all together.”

A special thank you to our event sponsors: Abby’s Smart Girls; Pence Farms; Doosan Bobcat; Will & Susan Fanjoy; Be Well Iredell; Optimed Hospitalists; Charles Ashe; Dr. David Cash,; Tom Sherrod; Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County; Iredell Free News; Walter and Edie Holland; Donald Searcy; Lymphatic Health Center; James and Mary Mallory; and several anonymous donors.

See the photo gallery HERE.

To learn more about Iredell Health Foundation, visit iredellhealthfoundation.org.

About Iredell Health System
Iredell Health System includes Iredell Memorial Hospital; Iredell Davis Medical Center; Iredell Davis Behavioral Health Hospital; Iredell Mooresville; Iredell Home Health; Iredell Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center; Community and Corporate Wellness; Occupational Medicine; the Iredell Physician Network and more. Iredell Memorial Hospital is the largest and only nonprofit hospital in Iredell County. The comprehensive healthcare organization has 391 licensed beds; close to 2,000 employees; and has approximately 365 healthcare providers representing various specialties. Centers of excellence include Women’s and Children’s; Cardiovascular; Cancer; Surgical Services and Wellness & Prevention. The health system’s Iredell Mooresville campus is home to the area’s only 24-hour urgent care facility, as well as an ambulatory surgery center, imaging center, rehabilitation services, and physician practices. The mission of Iredell Health System is to inspire wellbeing. For a comprehensive list of services and programs, visit www.iredellhealth.org.