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The pre-race program starts at 8:30 a.m. Sunday for the fundraising event for the Norwalk-based MMRF.
The MMRF is a leading cancer research foundation dedicated to the pursuit and acceleration of new treatments to extend the lives of patients and lead to a cure of multiple myeloma, an incurable blood cancer.
The MMRF Race for Research: Tri-State 5K Walk/Run is the cornerstone event of the MMRF race program. Kathy Giusti, a New Canaan resident, established the MMRF in 1998 after her diagnosis with multiple myeloma. In 2013, the event had more than 1,500 participants who raised more than $335,000 for the organization
“It is so gratifying to see so many caring people in my home town commit to this race to raise much needed funds for this little known disease,” Giusti said. “All of us at the MMRF are grateful for the continued support from our local community, our close friends and the New Canaan High School students who make this such a meaningful and fun program as we work harder than ever to accelerate new treatments for myeloma.”
To preregister for the 5K, sign up on the event website before Friday, June 6. Registration on the day of the event begins at 7:30 a.m. More than 300 New Canaan residents are already registered to participate in this year’s race.
The MMRF will honor Giants linebacker Mark Herzlich on race day with the MMRF Courage and Commitment Award. Herzlich is a bone cancer survivor. He will be signing his new book, "What it Takes: Fighting for My Life and My Love of the Game," from 8 to 8:30 a.m.
Guided by Lou Marinelli, head coach of the New Canaan football team, the community has united in support of the event. In 2010, Marinelli created a New Canaan Rams team for the 5K after several families of team members were affected by multiple myeloma. The football team increased its support in 2012 by adopting the MMRF as the team’s official charity beneficiary. More than 30 people have already registered to join the New Canaan football team for the 2014 race.
Endurance athletes can also join MMRF teams in the region for the New York Triathlon on Aug. 3 and the TCS New York City Marathon on Nov. 2. To participate, support, or learn more about all MMRF , visit www.themmrf.org/events.
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