TORONTO — The daughters of two Toronto women who each lost battles to cancer have teamed to honor them with a race that will raise money to help others fighting the disease.
Natalie Burchfield said she and her sisters have something in common with the family of Kathy Hannan Hale, who died from cancer on Feb. 14.
Burchfield said their own mother, LouAnn McCart Burchfield, had lost her battle with the disease in 2008.
Hale, who had been a clerk at Stacey’s IGA and Toronto’s Ben Franklin store, was 70 when she died, leaving her husband of 48 years, Kenny, and two daughters, Alicia Myslinsky and Krista Beswick.
Lou Ann had operated a daycare business in her home for 15 years before she died at the age of 46. In addition to Natalie, she is survived by her husband of 39 years, Paul, and three other daughters, Arica, Felicia and Susie.
Natatlie noted two of her sisters will be traveling from South Carolina and Columbus to participate in the first LouAnn Burchfield and Kathy Hannan Hale Colors of Cancer Memorial 5K Color Run-Walk on Aug. 19.
She said the race was named as such because participants are invited to wear the color representing the form of cancer most personal to them, whether because a loved one was diagnosed with it or they themselves faced it.
Pink is often used to represent breast cancer, but fewer people may be aware that white has been used to represent lung cancer and light blue has represented prostate cancer and are just two of many hues designated for specific forms of cancer.
Natalie said runners and walkers also may wear multiple colors to represent the disease’s broad spectrum, while powders of various hues will be thrown toward racers during the event, which will start at 9 a.m. for walkers at Tri B’s Coffee Shop at 241 N. Fourth St. and five minutes later for walkers from the same point.
There will be a 1K Fun Run for children starting at 10 a.m.
Natalie said proceeds from the race will go to Sunshine Charity Inc., a registered charity begun recently by the two families to help cancer patients with costs including medical co-pays, travel expenses and lodging related to their care, groceries and other expenses.
Those who register for the race online by Tuesday will pay $35 and receive a commemorative T-shirt, while those who register at 7 p.m. the evening before the race or at 8 a.m. that day will pay $45.
Online registration may be done at https://northamerica.runsignup.com/Race/OH/Toronto/Colorsof CancerMemorial5K.
Natalie said more than 70 have registered and she and others behind the race hope to draw 100 for the event’s first year.
Medals will be presented to 25 top male and female finishers from several age groups in the timed race.
Natalie said in addition to allowing the two families to honor their mothers, the event will offer an opportunity for participants to do the same through an area where they may light a candle in memory of a loved one who has died for any reason.
Abby Lemasters, owner of Tri B’s Coffee Shop will be offering Lotus Energy Drinks to participants.
The shop is one of about 10 local businesses supporting the race.
“Every business we’ve reached out to has been very supportive,” said Natalie, who added it’s not too late for others to get involved by calling (740) 632-4133.
She added many residents also have shown their support, while city officials have been very cooperative with arrangements for the run.
Natalie said the families hope to make the race an annual tradition, held on the third Saturday of each August.
“We’re hoping that it grows each year,” she said.
(Scott can be contacted at [email protected].)
