Runners Take the Team Cure Orlando Challenge and Raise $70,000 for Roswell Park

Families make Disney World Marathon a tradition to raise funds for cancer research and patient care

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 

BUFFALO, NY A group of 21 athletes from across the country raised $70,000 at the Walt Disney World Marathon on January 11, 2009 in support of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. As participants in the Team Cure Challenge program, the group fundraised and trained in the months leading up to the event, with the goal of supporting cancer research and patient care programs at Roswell Park. This year’s team featured some long-time supporters of the program, including three generations of one family, and four sisters running in memory of their mother.

For four years, the Biondolillo sisters from Lancaster, NY—Leah, Gina, Dena, and Jeni—have made Team Cure Challenge a family tradition in honor of their mother Jacqueline, who died of brain cancer in 2002. This was the fourth Walt Disney World Marathon for the sisters. Gina also ran in this year’s San Francisco Marathon. This year, the family raised $11, 451. Since they began participating in Team Cure Challenge, the Biondolillos have raised more than $50,000 for Roswell Park.

Kathie Barreca of Angola, her daughter Trish Kuest of Eden, and Trish’s 4-year-old son Gunar also participated in the Walt Disney World Marathon’s 5K run. The family runs to honor Kathie’s late husband, Larry Barreca, who lost his battle with cancer in 1990. This is the second annual 5K for young Gunar, who completed last year’s event thanks to a piggyback ride from his mom. The Barreca-Kuest family raised $9,200 for Roswell Park.

Courtney Greene, a runner originally from Eden and now living and working as a nurse in Rochester, raised $4,195. Her run in Orlando qualified her for this year’s Boston Marathon, where she will also run in support of Roswell Park. Greene was inspired to take the Team Cure Challenge after completing a nurse internship at Roswell Park in the summer of 2008. She completed the full marathon with a time of 3 hours and 36 minutes.

Registration is now underway for other local and national Team Cure Challenge walks, runs, swims and cycling events also benefiting Roswell Park. Many distances are available, and no experience is needed—just the willingness to help loved ones and friends in the cancer fight. Visit www.teamcurechallenge.com to join Team Cure Challenge or learn about upcoming events like the Buffalo Shamrock Run, Buffalo Marathon and Lake Tahoe marathon.

Team Cure Challenge provides training and support to athletes who raise funds in support of cancer research and patient care at Roswell Park. Athletes take part in a number of events throughout the year and across the country.  Learn more about Team Cure Challenge events by visiting www.teamcurechallenge.com or calling 716-845-3179.

Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, founded in 1898, is the nation’s first cancer research, treatment and education center. The Institute was one of the first cancer centers in the country to be named a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and remains the only facility with this designation in Upstate New York. Roswell Park is a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation’s leading cancer centers; maintains affiliate sites; and is a partner in national and international collaborative programs. For more information, visit Roswell Park’s website, call 1-800-ROSWELL (1-800-767-9355) or e-mail AskRoswell@Roswellpark.org.                    
    

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