Making Rounds
The “Run for the Cure” 5K builds community strength in Hoke County
When the alarm sounds at Puppy Creek Fire Department, it’s usually to fight flames. But this October, the crew is lacing up their sneakers, and they are bringing all of Hoke County with them. Returning for its 11th year, the “Run for a Cure” 5K is more than just a race. It is a community-wide stand against breast cancer with 100% of proceeds funding local, free mammograms and patient assistance. This isn’t just about covering 3.1 miles, it is about ensuring no neighbor fights this battle alone.
When Puppy Creek Fire Chief Richard Whiteside took the helm three years ago, he created a committee to support the legacy event that started in 2015 when one of the firefighters found out his mother had breast cancer.
“We wanted to keep this event and get everyone involved,” Whiteside said. “We are strong advocates of this community and keeping that mindset is important to us.”
And close to home is where he looked for the volunteers needed to support the event.
His committee of five, which includes Sonja Whiteside, Dominique Bunce, Jessica Donaldson, Keirsten Tokotch and Lori Kinney, are all affiliated with the fire department as wives, staff and volunteers.
“We are all wives who want to get as many runners and local businesses involved as we can,” Tokotch said. “We raised around $10,000 last year and would love to see that grow.”
Volunteer Lori Kinney made a promise to her mother-in-law Shirley Fay Armstrong Kinney that she would help those who found themselves in need due to an unexpected cancer diagnosis.
“As we went to her weekly treatments, we would see families struggling with daily expenses, and when you get hit with something like cancer, it can be devastating,” Kinney said. “Some didn’t have access to transportation, getting groceries, just really struggling.”
Kinney joined the Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation Friends of the Cancer Advisory Board three and a half years ago, although she had been involved with the Puppy Creek Fire Department 5K since its inception.
“I’ve been involved since the beginning, first as a runner and sponsor and now on the committee,” Kinney said. “This event is vital to raise funds for early detection, mammograms and diagnostic ultrasounds.”
She also said it helps with other things like paying light bills, providing transportation to treatments, supplementing nutrition and providing wigs for patients.
“This is the only race that I know of that keeps the funds in this community,” Kinney said. “We see the fruits of our labor right here. We are helping our neighbors, and Hoke Hospital has been an incredible partner.”
The Puppy Creek Fire Department “Run for a Cure” 5K has a mission to raise awareness, raise funds and support Hoke County residents facing breast cancer. From survivors taking their triumphant lap to local vendors and families hitting the pavement, you are invited to join on Saturday, Oct. 24 at Cape Fear Valley Hoke Pavilion where a small-town run is transforming into a massive force for good.
To sign up to run, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/Store/NC/Raeford/PuppyCreekFireDepartmentRunforaCure5K and to sponsor or get involved, call Puppy Creek Fire Department at (910) 875-5283.
