Lehigh swimmers and divers fight breast cancer in NYC
Posted: 09/14/2012
NEW YORK - The Lehigh swimming and diving team helped fight breast cancer by running in the Susan G. Komen 5k Greater New York City Race for the Cure, Sunday September 9 in Central Park. The Mountain Hawks’ sixth straight year of participating in the event saw 50 swimmers and divers plus alumni and family members run.
The race Sunday marked the 12th straight year that the Susan G. Komen 5k race has occurred. In 2011, more than 21,000 people participated in the race and the organization helped raise a fundraising record $5.99 million.
“The energy at this event is extremely positive,” said head coach Rob Herb. It’s a great way to start a season, to be a part of something bigger than our season.”
The swimming and diving team began participating in the walk to support former captain Julie Sicherman ’10. Six years ago, Sicherman helped her mother fight breast cancer. Sicherman works in New York, where she lives with former Lehigh swimmers and divers. She has organized Lehigh’s participation in the event for six years and was assisted by senior Emily DiDonato this year.
“It’s very important Lehigh shows support for all types of cancer,” said Herb. “Students quickly get locked into the Lehigh sphere and hopefully this expands the fact that Lehigh students aren’t locked into the Lehigh Bethlehem area.”
The Lehigh swimmers and divers covered the expenses of the trip to New York City on their own, but over half of the men’s team and nearly all of the women’s team still participated.
Lehigh swimming and diving team members will also take part in the annual Light the Night Walk on Saturday, October 13 at 5 p.m. The walk is held at Northampton Community College and the Mountain Hawks will be participating to support former team member Jill Rand ’12. Rann is a nine-year survivor of Lukemia.
Last year Lehigh had 60 people take part in the walk and Herb is hoping that more students will join this year to help raise more money and awareness for childhood Lukemia.
Story by Cam Omsberg ‘13