The second annual Run For Dennis 5k Run/Walk is scheduled for 10:00 a.m., March 16 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.
“Last year’s race raised more than $14,000 for bladder cancer advocacy and research,” Newson said. “And the need is even greater. There were 74,000 new cases of bladder cancer diagnosed in 2012, up from 69,000 cases diagnosed in 2011.
“This run/walk will be chip timed and USA Track & Field (USATF) certified,” All proceeds of the race will go to Strong Memorial Hospital Cancer Center, 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 fourth most common type of cancer among men in the US.
“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. We’re continuing his 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. 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 and baseball 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 $20 per person by Feb 16, $25 after that date, and $30 on race day, Newson said. Registration 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. Anyone who would like to sponsor or donate goods or services to the race can contact me at [email protected].
Sponsors, to-date, are: Auyer Race Timing, Oswego; Uniforms, Etc., Fulton; and Fleet Feet Sports, Syracuse; Chobani; Chirello Advertising; and RoadID.
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