Gerritsen Beach became a battlefield for a killer disease when big-hearted boroughites laced up their sneakers and took fighting steps during a benefit run for CancerCare For Kids – raising $16,000 in a matter of hours.
The sixth annual 5K “fun run,” coordinated by local activist and cancer survivor Dan Foster, was held at the Cort Club, Gerritsen and Devon avenues, kicking off with a musical salute from the Gerritsen Beach Marching Band.
Led by Grand Marshal Marsha Spinowitz, president of National Grid Local 101, the group proceeded to the nature trail at the Salt Marsh Nature Center on Avenue U before retracing their steps back to the club for a post-race party and medal ceremony, featuring food, music and rides for the children.
This year’s race was dedicated to the memories of late Gerritsen Beach residents Marlita Mattaliano and Francis T. Walsh, said Foster, who coordinates the race each year “to give hope” to the stricken.
