HILLSBOROUGH, NJ—Doctors, cancer survivors, and community members gathered at Amsterdam Elementary School for the seventh annual Steeplechase Distance Run, a fundraiser for cancer research

The event was organized by the Somerset Health Care Foundation and the proceeds will go to the Steplechase Cancer Center, a sizeable outpatient care center located in Somerville.

The $70,000 raised will help to expand the cancer center’s support services and educational programs.  The center is a part of the Robert Wood Johnson (RWJ) “Somerset” campus.

The Steeplechase Cancer Center offer a wide array of classes, including: cancer-focused community health lectures, survivorship and rehabilitation programs, cooking demonstrations, nutrition classes, and complementary medicine classes, including yoga, reiki, and meditation.

Their calendar of events is accessible on their website, and features a very diverse collection of programs available to those interested, many of which are free or at a very low price of admission.

Somerset Medical Center became a part of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) after the two organizations finalized a merger deal in October 2013.

RWJUH prides itself in striving to bridge gaps between education and healthcare and is currently one of the largest healthcare systems in the state.

“The funds raised from this year’s Steeplechase Distance Run/Walk will enable us to continue to offer a wide range of complementary medical oncology programs for cancer survivors and host educational events to keep our community healthier and happier,” said Brian D. Agnew, Chief Development Officer of Robert Wood Johnson Health System in a press release.

“We are thankful for all of the generous people who joined us at the event to celebrate life and honor those who have been affected by cancer.”

The event honored cancer survivors’ recoveries as well as those who had lost their lives due to a cancer, and featured a 10k run, a 5k run, a 2-mile walk and sprints for children.

The Somerset Health Care Foundation had set up several tents at the event, one for team T-shirt making and one specifically for cancer survivors.

Breast cancer survivors Yvonne Comito (Hillsbourough), Bonnie Girvan (Bound Brook), and Marcia Moore (Hillsbourough) led the walk.

Those who ran and walked were split into teams. Each team honored specific individuals whose life was affected by cancer.

A Hillsbourough-based nonprofit community group, Steps Together, who are dedicated to assisting families experiencing medical crises, had their own team.

Dr. Delia Figueroa of RWJ Somerset’s Information Technology Services Department also created a team, “Team Jonathan,” in memory of her son.

Brian Crowley of Hillsborough won first place in the 10k, finishing in over 36 minutes. Chuck Schneekloth of North Brunswick won the 5k race in over 17 minutes.

All runs were USA Track and Field (USATF) certified.

Reporter at New Brunswick Today | mobrien@nb.today

Molly O'Brien started writing for New Brunswick Today as a freelance reporter in February 2013.

Molly writes stories on government, arts, free events, bilingual events, education and more.

Molly graduated from Rutgers University with a B.A. in French Linguistics and Linguistics, where she also studied Writing and Journalism. Molly also graduated Rutgers Law School.

She is open to any suggestions for stories or tips. You may contact her via text at 732-743-8993.

Molly O'Brien started writing for New Brunswick Today as a freelance reporter in February 2013.

Molly writes stories on government, arts, free events, bilingual events, education and more.

Molly graduated from Rutgers University with a B.A. in French Linguistics and Linguistics, where she also studied Writing and Journalism. Molly also graduated Rutgers Law School.

She is open to any suggestions for stories or tips. You may contact her via text at 732-743-8993.