Berks County recreational runners and walkers can not only take part in a healthy 5K race, but at the same time, advance brain tumor research and scholarship opportunities for deserving area students.The 4th Annual Fitzy’s Run will begin at 11 a.m., Sunday Oct. 26, at Happy Hollow Playground at Terrace and Trent Avenues near the VF Outlets in Wyomissing. The event was established in honor of Lauren Fitzgerald, who succumbed to a brain tumor on July, 18, 2005 at the age of 20.
Instead of being consumed by their grief, her father, Mike Fitzgerald and his family hold this yearly event to honor Lauren.
Since its inception in 2005, Fitzy’s 5K run/walk and fun one-mile run/walk has raised more than $45,000 to benefit brain tumor victims and the community as a whole, added Fitzgerald. “We have had wonderful community support over the years.”
The non-profit Berks County Community Foundation manages a series of charitable funds for Lauren’s family, including scholarships benefiting local high school students excelling academically under adverse circumstances, continuing contributions to the American Brain Tumor Association and donations to families who have lost a loved one to a brain tumor.
Even though pre-race registration ended on Oct. 18, race-day entries will still be gratefully accepted. A $26 fee for the 5K and $10 for the one mile fun run will entitle each participant to the hot dog barbeque, other refreshments, face painting, a raffle and a tee shirt (while supplies last).
Prizes will be awarded to the top thee male and female finishers overall and the top male and female finishers in age groups ranging from under 15 years-of-age to the 70 and over category.
The whole theme of Fitzy’s Run will center around Halloween culminating in a costume contest, since Lauren’s birthday would have been this Oct. 31.
Fitzgerald tenderly recalls Lauren’s brief, but full and loving life and legacy:
Lauren graduated in 2003 from Wyomissing Area High School with honors. She was friendly, vivacious, active in school affairs and captained the field hockey team as a senior.
That fall she entered Drexel University in Philadelphia to study Interior Design while joining the crew team, as well.
However, at the end of her freshman year in 2004, Lauren was diagnosed with a primary brain tumor, which was subsequently treated with chemotherapy, other regimens and two operations.
Sadly, a more aggressive tumor returned a year later and despite a Herculean effort by a team of doctors at Duke University, Lauren lost her 14-month mortal struggle with the disease on July 18, 2005.
Throughout her terrible ordeal, Lauren refused to bow to its effects. Her father recalls her courage and resolve, “Lauren maintained her dignity, her love of life and her high spirits.”
Instead of the tumor interfering with the remainder of her life, she chose to live by her favorite quote, Fitzgerald remembers, “I may not be able to change what happens to me. I refuse to be reduced by it.”
Upon her passing, Lauren left a legacy of generosity and love through the gift of her vital organs to five gravely ill patients.
Two of her recipients, one from North Carolina and the other from Florida, attended the run and are expected to return for this year’s event, as well.
Lauren’s family also has not been reduced by the tragedy and has rebounded to promote scholarship, aid for families of victims and research for an ultimate cure in “Fitzy’s” behalf.
So plan to join the Fitzgerald’s extended family and friends in honoring Lauren through a great cause on Oct.26. Bring your running shoes and mask or full costume, as well.