A bright light shined amidst an overcast and misty North Carolina morning on Sept. 10. Over 200 runners, walkers, and volunteers enthusiastically gathered at the WakeMed Park in Cary to provide hope and support for sarcoma patients and families at the 15th Annual Strikeout for Sarcoma 5K & Family Fun Run/Walk.
Brian E. Brigman, MD, PhD, orthopaedic surgical oncologist and professor of orthopaedic surgery and pediatrics at Duke, served as emcee for the event. He explained, “Each year, 10,000 patients, including children and adults, are diagnosed with all types of sarcomas. It is one of the more common types of cancer that affects children. About 20 percent of sarcoma patients treated at Duke are children. It may involve bone or soft tissue in any body area. The Duke Multidisciplinary Sarcoma Team is an integrated team of doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, and support staff at the Duke Cancer Institute who focus on caring for patients with sarcomas, providing a multidisciplinary approach to treatment.”
He continued, “All donations from this event support the Sarcoma Research Program at Duke and bring further awareness regarding sarcoma. The program continues working diligently to treat sarcoma through innovative treatment and clinical and basic scientific research.”
The event welcomed a remarkable survivor, Marcy McKaig, who shared her story with attendees. “We are all on a journey. Who knew that a small lump I discovered would lead to my sarcoma story? I am so glad to be here with you today.”
Dr. Brigman was joined by many of his Sarcoma Center physician colleagues who volunteered and/or ran the 5K, including Trey Blazer, MD, Associate Professor of Surgery, Oncology; Will Eward, MD, Frank H. Bassett III, MD, Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Associate Professor of Pathology; Nicole Larrier, MD, Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology; Laura Rosenberger, MD, Associate Professor of Surgery, Oncology; David Van Mater, MD, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Hematology-Oncology; and Julia Visgauss, MD, Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery.
We congratulated the top finishers and enthusiastic teams:
- First place female 5K finisher: Jordan Farrell
- First place male 5k finisher: Tausig Thokala
- Second place female 5K finisher: Lynn McGugan
- Second place male 5K finisher: Ivan Cerillo
- The team who raised the most: Geo Bliss
- Best team spirit: Lynn’s Team
- Most team participants: Geo Bliss
- Most creative team t-shirt: Shayla Strong
Participants enjoyed music, a Zumba warm-up, a yoga cool-down, food, a kid's dash, a survivor walk, a bounce house, cornhole games, and fellowship. Collectively, through a silent auction, sponsorships, donations, and race entry fees, the event raised over $25,000.
“Thank you for such an amazing event again this year,” exclaimed first-place female 5K finisher Jordan Farrell.
To learn more about sarcoma, donate, or participate in the 2024 Strike Out for Sarcoma Golf Tournament or 5K Family Fun Run/ Walk, visit the Duke Sarcoma Center.