I used to be morbidly obese, so every 5k I do is a celebration for myself,” said Shannon Helling who was one of the first two runners who registered for the Run for Haven on March 12, 2016, at Tioga Town Center to benefit unreimbursed programs and services for Haven Hospice patients and families. “I am not a professional runner, but it is fun to be competitive, and it is for a good cause.” Running to stay healthy, Shannon is a member of the Running Tabs, a local running group. “Several times a week, we meet at World of Beer or First Magnitude and do a certain amount of mileage. It is a great way to meet people and have some fun.” When six runners register for the Run for Haven, their total registration fees can provide six days of medications for a patient in the Haven Hospice E.T. York Care Center.
The seventh annual Run for Haven 5K and 10K run/walk begins at the Tioga Town Center and runs through the Town of Tioga. Participants are also encouraged to wear green and participate in the St. Patrick’s Day costume contest to win prizes. The run/walk will be a chip-timed race provided by Start 2 Finish Race Management. Local businesses will host informational booths while additional food and drinks will be available for purchase. The post-run party will be filled with live music, an awards ceremony for overall winners, and other fun-filled activities for both adults and children.
“This is my second year at Run for Haven because I felt it was very well organized and fun,” said Sharron who is passionate about hospice services. “Haven Hospice is a wonderful organization and very dear to my heart. My grandmother has been in hospice care in Tampa, and I understand the amount of love and care that goes into providing for patients who are at the end of their lives.”
Shannon also infuses passion into her professional life as well where she evaluates individuals, assesses their needs, and then builds prosthetic limbs and devices for them. “I don’t ever just sit behind a desk,” said Shannon. “I work with people and with power tools. I get dirty and dusty in a lab, and use my scientific skills to build artificial limbs and braces.” Look for Shannon and the other members of the Running Tabs on March 12! And don’t forget to wear green.
In 2014, Haven spent over $4 million on unreimbursed and unfunded patient care, family services and programs, community and health professional education, and other community support in the 18 counties they serve. Help Haven Hospice fulfill its mission by providing comfort, care and compassion to patients and families by registering for the Run for Haven 5K and 10K Race on March 12, 2016. For more information visit www.RunforHaven.org or call Stephanie Brod at 352.271.4665. If you would like to learn more about what Haven can do for you and your family, please ask for Haven Hospice at 1.800.HOSPICEor visit our website: www.havenhospice.org.