Swat Spotlight: Women's Basketball and Softball Teams Participate in Parkway Run & Walk for Children's Cancer Research
PHILADELPHIA - Members of the Swarthmore
College women's basketball and softball teams participated in the
Four Seasons Parkway Run & Walk for Children's Cancer Research
on Sunday, Sept. 30 from Philadelphia's Ben Franklin Parkway.
The event featured 7,763 participants and raised over $800 thousand for children's
cancer research.
The Garnet women's basketball team ran on behalf of Cole
Benovy, a friend of team member Elle Larsen '15. Cole, 17,
was diagnosed with AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia), an adult form of
cancer that is very rare in children and teens.
"I'm so grateful that our team was able to participate in the
run. Not only was the experience enriching from a fitness stand
point, but also because we got to work together on something that
is bigger than all of us," said Larsen. "I'm so proud of my
teammates for taking time out of their busy schedules to pay
it forward, and support me in a cause that is so close to my
heart."
Joining the women's basketball team was the softball team,
continuing a recent tradition of participation in the race dating
back to 2006.
"It was an amazing and moving experience to be running for
such a touching cause," said team member Rose
Pitkin '14. "At times we were moved to tears as we saw
friends and families running/walking in honor of children who are
living with or have battled with cancer. We have taken
part in this wonderful event a few times in the past and we are
looking forward to continuing this tradition in future
years."
Held on the last Sunday in September for the past 15 years, the
Parkway Run is the largest 5K in Philadelphia as well as the single
largest fundraiser for the Cancer Center at The Children's Hospital
of Philadelphia. To date, more than $4 million has been raised
through the event. The funds raised benefit the Center's
life-saving research and survivorship programs.
The Cancer Center at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is an
internationally recognized leader in pediatric cancer treatment and
research. Patients and families come to CHOP from around the globe
to receive the best available pediatric cancer care from some of
the world's top clinicians.
The women's basketball team prior to the race
Members of the softball team
flex their muscles in front of the Art
Museum
