Toronto race raises proceeds for cancer center

A WINNING RACE — Members of Crossroads North River Church presented $22,000 to representatives of Trinity Health System which was raised through the Pat Campbell Fighting Cancer 5K Run. Proceeds from the March event have been allocated for patients of the Teramana Cancer Center. On hand for the presentation were, from left, David Campbell, Pat’s son; Galen Wade; Patricia Campbell, Pat’s wife; Tambi Wade; the Rev. Mark Prichard, Crossroads pastor; Marsha Lewis, patient advocate for the cancer center; and Catherine Poludniak, Trinity Foundation director.
— Warren Scott

TORONTO — The Pat Campbell Fighting Cancer 5K Run proved to be a big winner for the Teramana Cancer Center, raising $22,000 to help patients served by the facility.

Galen and Tambi Wade, co-coordinators of the annual race and members of Crossroads North River Church, along with their pastor, the Rev. Mark Prichard, recently presented the donation to Trinity Health System. The money will be used for the Teramana Emergency Assistance Relief Fund.

Through this fund, the cancer center provides assistance with medical co-pays, durable equipment and other needs to its patients who are in need of financial help.

Joining the Wades and Prichard were Patricia and David Campbell, widow and son of the late Pat Campbell, for whom the race was named. Campbell was a local attorney who suffered from Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and underwent many treatments for the disease. He ultimately died from a heart attack in 2009.

Because Campbell was born on St. Patrick’s Day and was proud of his Irish heritage, the run is held on a Saturday close to the holiday every year.

Patricia Campbell noted a neighbor — George Komar, president of the Toronto Coalition for Revitalization, sought permission to hold the race in his honor. She happily gave her blessing.

Komar noted the run has been held in a variety of weather, including snow and rain. However, it is always welcomed by the many local running enthusiasts, as it is one of the first races of the year.

In 2023 and with Komar’s support, the event was taken over by the church. Last year, organizers acknowledged his role in launching the event, naming him the first inductee to the run’s hall of fame.

Galen Wade noted when the run returns on March 15, it will mark the 15th anniversary of its establishment. He and others are mulling minor additions to the event, such as special music.

While many don green running suits and other clothing for the occasion, he said they may encourage participants to wear kilts.

Galen noted the run is one of four to be held in the Gem City this year. Those participating in all races will receive a commemorative coin bearing the logos of each race. Each raises money for a charitable cause.

Dubbed the Gem City Quadfecta Challenge, the four races include, the Biasi-Shuma Memorial 5K Run Walk, to be held on July 6; the Louann Burchfield/Kathy Hannan Hale Colors of Cancer Memorial 5K Run, which debuted last year and will return Aug. 10; and the T-Town Turkey Trot, held Thanksgiving morning.

Registration is open for the first two races. Information can be found at runsignup.com/Race/Events/OH/Toronto/BiasiShumaMemorial5kRunWalk or runsignup.com/Race/OH/Toronto/ColorsofCancerMemorial5K.