Write a commentTime is running out to register for the Second Annual Memorial Run For Dennis, 5K Run/Walk on March 16, 2013. Come support the battle against bladder cancer by registering for the run/walk.
Dennis Pacheco passed away at the age of 51, after fighting bladder cancer for three and a half years. The Pacheco family runs and maintains this yearly run/walk for Dennis in an effort to make bladder cancer a thing of the past.
Pacheco lived in Rome and moved to Oswego later in life. After graduating from Chabot College of Hayward, Calif., he worked for James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant (Entergy) in Oswego for more than 30 years. With the love and support of his family and wife, Pacheco lived a happy life. When he passed away on March 17, 2011, he donated his body to science, with the intentions of assisting cancer cures.
"He was always the go-to guy in Oswego. He had a passion for woodworking and would never sit still," Pacheco's daugher, Jessica Newson said.
Dennis' wife, Jane Pacheco, daughters, Jessica and Kristin, and son, Nathaniel, came together to create this yearly event. Last year, the race had more than 700 participants, according to Newson. Newson said the family felt the need to raise awareness and run a good cause in Oswego. In 2012, the family put on the event for the first time.
"It was amazing how many people showed up. People I didn't even know would confront me about their struggles with bladder cancer and how happy they were with what we were doing," Newson said.
The registration process for the race is online at www.RunForDennis.com, and is $25 per person or $30 if you register at the race. If you wish to volunteer, you can message the Facebook group (www.Facebook.com/RunForDennis). If you are not able to make the run on March 16, you can register for a virtual race and run it from wherever you are. A shirt and bib will be sent to all virtual runners. The top three winners will receive a medal along with a prize for the "underdog," who Pacheco always believed in routing for, according to Newson.
"This year we just hope to have as much fun as we did last year. We kept in mind the suggestions and feedback we received and tried to incorporate them in this year's race," Newson said.
The course of the race is online and can be viewed in a map format. Brochures are also available online along with more registration directions. All proceeds go to The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) and The Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, N.Y. to benefit the Urology/Oncology Department.
While early registration is now over, you can still register online today.
For more information, visit the website or Facebook group atwww.RunForDennis.com and www.Facebook.com/RunForDennis. For sponsor information, to volunteer or for other information, contact Jessica Newson at [email protected]. Donations may be made through the Oswego County Federal Credit Union.
