Winnemucca News

Winnemucca News

Race for the Cure this Saturday at Vesco Park - 05-20-2010

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WINNEMUCCA—This weekend, all northern Nevada residents are invited to join the “LaRena Smith Bengoa Run, Ride or Walk for the Cure."

The eighth annual race will begin at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 22, at Paul Vesco City Park, directly across the street from Humboldt General Hospital; registration and packet pickup will take place from 4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.

"This event is meant to be a time to remember those who have lost their battle with cancer, to support those who are fighting, to celebrate those who have survived and to create hope for those who will meet this disease in the future," said Mary Maher Bengoa who co-organizes the event with her mother, Amorita Maher.

Bengoa continued, "These are people with individual lives, families and feelings. So this year we want to continue to remember this disease and those it has affected. We want to help people understand not just what they're fighting, but who they're fighting for."

Using proceeds from last year’s event, Bengoa said the group has provided approximately $800 each to 24 local victims of cancer over the past year. “This year we are hoping to raise even more so that we can help more people,” she said.

Past recipients routinely express deep gratitude for the funding, which can be used for everything from medical and travel expenses to wigs, food and even clothing.

One caregiver wrote Bengoa to express appreciation for the money, which has helped absorb some of the expense of seeking medical treatment in Reno. “We thank you and God bless from the bottom of our hearts,” wrote the woman.

Another woman, whose husband is battling prostate cancer, said her family felt so much hope when they read about the Bengoa organization in the newspaper. “I cannot tell you how grateful we are to know that somebody cares,” she wrote, “and that there is financial help available for people in our situation.”

A third woman, who used her funding to pay off some of her mounting medical bills, also expressed appreciation for the help she received. “No one wants to die really, but I’m OK with it as I know God is with me.”

Bengoa said helping cancer victims meet their increased expenses during treatment is one purpose of the organization. “The other is to let people know that we care, that there is somebody out there supporting them and cheering for them and helping them know they are not alone.”

This Saturday, participants may choose to run, ride or walk 1-, 3- and 5-mile courses. Bengoa said in the past, some participants have even driven golf carts and horse-drawn carts.

Whatever the mode of transportation, Bengoa said, "This event is all about fun while we create a community of support; all ages and walks of life are welcome."

Participants may register when they arrive on race day. Registration fees are $25 for adults, $20 for senior citizens and team members, and $10 for children under 10. In addition, phantom racers are welcome; their cost to register is $25.

All participants will receive a t-shirt and goodie bag as well as beverages and snacks throughout the event. Also this weekend, a raffle and silent auction will be held in conjunction with the race. A homemade quilt, gift certificates and other gift items will be available. Participants do not need to be present to win.

Last year, over 200 people participated in the race along with nearly two dozen phantom racers; in all, the event raised nearly $20,000, which was distributed to cancer patients in Humboldt and Lander counties.

The group also donated $1,500 to cancer research.

For more information on the LaRena Smith Bengoa Run, Ride or Walk for the Cure, please call Humboldt General Hospital at (775) 623-5222.

Written by Press Release - 5/20/10

• Winnemucca News