Catch a Cure This Sunday
By Katie McFadden
Almost everyone knows someone whose life has been affected by cancer. Many have friends, family, or neighbors who have been impacted by the disease, or even themselves. And in true Rockaway fashion, the community has come up with ways to help make it a little easier for those battling the disease. The 6th Annual Catch a Cure 5K is Sunday, October 6.
On October 6, Rockaway will once again run and walk on behalf of Rockaway, Breezy Point and Broad Channel residents dealing with cancer, in hopes of one day finding a cure for them and those across the globe. The Catch a Cure 5K is an annual event that raises money for local residents impacted by cancer, in memory of those who have unfortunately passed away due to cancer and in honor of those who have been victorious in their battles with the disease.
After local resident Pam Collins died of cancer in 2017, Robin Hoffman, who had gone through her own battle with breast cancer, and Megan Rochelle, came up with a way to honor local residents who passed from cancer while showing support for those still going through their battles. As Pam Collins was an avid runner, they launched Catch a Cure with a 5K race in 2017. The Catch a Cure 5K has since become a successful annual event, raising around $20K each year. The event was put on hiatus for two years due to Covid, but came back in 2022, with Catch a Cure as a 501c3, and the event has been going strong ever since.
Funds are raised at this event through entry fees, t-shirt sales, a big 50/50 raffle for $20 a ticket, plus generous donations from local businesses and neighbors. The 5K event is open to all, whether you’re running, jogging or walking.
This year’s Catch a Cure is in memory of Yvette Conroy of Rockaway, who died in September 2021, Dr. Thomas DiMaria of Breezy Point, who died in November 2023, and Renee Knapp of Broad Channel, who died in January of this year. It is being run in honor of Marie Rudolph of Rockaway, Debbie O’Connor of Broad Channel and Rita Gibson of Breezy Point, who just passed away on September 12, after she was announced as an honoree.
Participants can pre-register in person this Thursday, October 3 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Belle Harbor Yacht Club (533 Beach 126th Street), where participants can also pick up their event t-shirts and bibs, or online at Rockawaytc.org by October 5. Last minute registration will take place on Sunday, October 6 from 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. at Rogers on Beach 116th Street. The race begins at 9 a.m. on the Beach 116th boardwalk on Sunday. The awards and 50/50 announcement will take place back at Rogers following the run/ walk.
For those who want to purchase 50/50 tickets, a $20 payment can be sent to Megan Rochelle through Venmo (@Megan-Rochelle). Include your phone number and Catch a Cure 50/50 in the memo. For more information about the run and to pre-register, head to: Rockawaytc.org