JCC 5K raises $200K for cancer center

The Sid Jacobson JCC in East Hills raised more than $200,000 with its 13th annual Stronger Than Cancer 5K run held earlier this month.

More than 400 runners, walkers, volunteers and sponsors turned out for the event, which honored Randy Hight, long-time director of the Nancy Marx Cancer Wellness Center (NMCWC).

NMCWC provides much-needed programming, including exercise classes, discussion groups, counseling services, and more to those living with cancer throughout all stages of treatment and survivorship. Thanks to proceeds from the Stronger Than Cancer 5K and other funding, 100 percent of these services are offered free of charge to participants.

What first began as a half-hour exercise class and half-hour support group being overseen by Hight, has since turned into a roster of complimentary services for cancer survivors, including educational services, nutrition counseling, discussion groups and more.

“My hope for this year’s event was two-fold – the first was to bring awareness to the community that the Nancy Marx Cancer Wellness Center is here to support all cancer survivors in any stage of their diagnosis,” Hight said. “The second was to raise funds, so we can continue providing these much-needed support services to those affected by cancer free of charge. This year’s event marked our return, post-pandemic, and we are thrilled that our community came together to walk and support such an imperative and life-changing cause for cancer survivors and their families.”