Hundreds turned out Sunday morning to run through puddles and mud for the 15th annual Fitzy’s Halloween 5K Run. Despite the deluge of rain many of the 400 pre-registered runners came out and about a dozen more signed up Sunday morning.
“We’ve had rain, hurricane rain, snow,” said Michael Fitzgerald, who organizes the race along with his wife, Sorita. “But people’s spirits are still high and it’s the cause.”
The race supports Lauren’s Foundation, started after the Fitzgeralds’ daughter died of a brain tumor in 2005. Lauren “Fitzy” Fitzgerald was diagnosed in 2004 with a brain tumor. She underwent several treatments but passed away almost a year after her diagnosis at 20 years old.
The event featured a costume contest, a health services fair, a kid zone, a silent auction and a lunch buffet. The foundation raises funds for a scholarship, research and expenses for families battling cancer.
In the weeks and months leading up to the run, Michael heard little stories about the foundation’s impact. A previous scholarship winner, who graduated from Wilson in 2010 and now works for The Helping Co., wanted to help sponsor the race, Michael said. “Wow, nine years later someone is still thinking about us,” Michael said. “It brings a smile to your face knowing that many years later and my daughter is still having an impact.”
Lauren was born on Halloween; that’s why the run includes a chance to dress up for the holiday. “People look forward to the costume contest,” Sorita said.
First time runner Chad Wheeler of Sinking Spring won the men’s costume division by competing in a white bathrobe and a trapper hat, playing Cousin Eddie from “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.”It’s a tradition in this area for so long and it’s a great cause,” Wheeler said. “A little bit of rain isn’t anything compared to what they all went through.”
Lauren’s memory is still felt strongly. For Bob Potts, it’s felt on a daily basis. He received Lauren’s liver when she passed away. Potts made the trip from Dallas, Texas, to be at Sunday’s run. “You have to appreciate the opportunity and spread the news,” Potts said. “This is such a great cause they developed in their daughter’s honor. How could I not be here?”
When Potts was sick and told he only had 60 days to live unless he received a new liver, his son was serving in Iraq and his daughter was still in high school. “Without that blessing, I wouldn’t have seen her graduate,” Potts said.
MaryAnne Deans received Lauren’s lungs and lived seven additional years. She passed away a couple of years ago but her family made the trip from North Carolina.
Exeter Township resident Dakota Renney, who’s had his own recent battle with a brain tumor ,was on hand for the event as well. “Thank you guys for supporting me,” Dakota told the crowd.
Celia Cosentino, 10, of Wyomissing was able to cheer on the runners too. Celia was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2018. The foundation helped her family with travel and meal expenses.
Two of Lauren’s former rowing crew teammates and friends, Sarah Grogen and Jill Allenbaugh, made the trek from Philadelphia to honor her. “Lauren was one of my closest friends,” Allenbaugh said. “We became super-close friends. We were there at her bedside a week before she died. It’s been something that’s just amazing to honor her.”
“We come back every year because we loved Lauren and still love Lauren,” Allenbaugh said. “It’s what I do every year.”