The fifth Run For Dennis 5k Run/Walk is scheduled for 10 a.m., March 12 to honor the memory of Oswego resident Dennis Pacheco (5/28/59-3/17/11), a victim of bladder cancer, it was announced by Jessica Newson, race director and Pacheco’s daughter.
“In the first four years of the race, we raised more than $50,000 for bladder cancer advocacy and research, and as we enter our fifth year, we hope to add substantially to that amount.” Newson said. “The need for funding is ever growing. In 2014 alone, there were 74,000 new cases of diagnosed bladder cancer, and it still remains the most expensive cancer to treat on a per patient basis. In addition, no new treatments have been developed in the last 20 years due to a lack of funding for research.”
This run/walk will be chip timed and USA Track & Field (USATF) certified.
Proceeds from the race will benefit The Charles and Mary Haney Fund (which assists cancer patients with medical expenses), Strong Memorial Hospital Urologic Oncology, Rochester, and the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN). Prizes will be awarded to winners in all age groups—including last place!
Before learning he had cancer, Dennis was always quick to lend others a helping hand. We would like to honor his giving ways by helping to continue the fight against bladder cancer, the sixth most common type of cancer among men in the U.S.
Throughout his three-year fight, Dennis was very proactive in researching bladder cancer trials and treatment. He was adamant that more could be done to help eradicate this disease, and even after his passing, Dennis made strides toward finding a cure for cancer by donating his body to science.
“Our only wish is to continue Dennis’s fight. On behalf of Dennis and my family, we’re asking folks to support this race to ensure that a cure can be found for bladder cancer, so that other families get to enjoy their loved ones for years to come,” Newson said. “The wonderful response we had last year in runners and support was overwhelming and incredibly touching to my family and me.”
Dennis worked hard and played hard. He was an avid motorcyclist and enjoyed motorsports, hunting, construction, woodworking and playing harmonica. He appreciated all types of music, but especially enjoyed the blues and was known to do an impromptu Elvis impersonation on many occasions.
He enjoyed coaching soccer teams as his children grew. When he wasn’t coaching his kids, he was their greatest fan. Dennis frequently said that he was blessed with a wonderful life, surrounded by many friends and a loving family, the center of his world. He was an extremely proud husband, father and grandfather.
Pacheco is survived by his wife, Jane (Kleinbach) Pacheco; and children, Jessica (Robert) Newson of Saratoga Springs, NY, and Kristin (David) DeGroff of Royal Oak, MI; Nathaniel Pacheco of Oswego; daughter-friend, Jennifer Cushman of Fredericksburg, VA; and grandchildren, Cole and Allison Newson.
Registration for the race, which begins and ends at Gibby’s Pub on Lake St., is $25 per person by Feb 10, $30 after that date, and $35 on race day, Newson said.
If you cannot participate, you are still welcome to opt for the Virtual Run Option, allowing you to support Dennis’s cause from any location. The deadline for the Virtual Run is Feb 25. Registration for both races is open at www.EZRaceReg.com. The website for the race is www.runfordennis.com and the event is also on Facebook® at www.facebook.com/runfordennis.
“Donations can be made to ‘Run For Dennis’ and sent to Oswego County Federal Credit Union, P.O. Box 310, Oswego, NY 13126,” Newson said. “Anyone who would like to sponsor or donate goods or services to the race can contact me at [email protected].”
Sponsors, to-date, are: Entergy, Oswego County Federal Credit Union, Steve Chirello Advertising, Gibby’s Irish Pub, Syracuse Chiefs, Syracuse Crunch, Riverview Wellness, C’s Farms, The Press Box, Wegmans, Auyer Racetiming, Top Stitch, Fleet Feet Syracuse, DJ Plus, GU energy gel, Mitchell’s speedway press, Road ID, and O’ Brien and Gere.
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