Lehigh Swimmers and Divers Race for a Cure in NYC
Posted: 09/27/2011
NEW YORK – The Lehigh swimming and diving team joined in the fight against breast cancer by running in the Susan G. Komen 5k Greater New York City Race for the Cure, Sunday September 18th in Central Park. The Mountain Hawks were well represented with more than 60 swimmers and divers plus alumni and family members, as Lehigh participated in the event for the fifth consecutive year.
"This event is always very special,” explained Lehigh head coach Rob Herb. “We all have been touched by this disease. It is important for our athletes to be aware and contribute to events like this and our team is always ready to help."
Former Lehigh team captain Julie Sicherman ’10 once again served as the Lehigh team’s chair for the event, with assistance from Alyssa Siano ‘12. Sicherman helped her mother fight breast cancer five years ago and has organized the event for members of the Lehigh swimming and diving team each of the last five years. She is currently working in New York and living with other Lehigh swimming and diving alumni.
Over 25,000 people, including over 1,000 teams plus co-survivors and survivors jammed Central Park West and Central Park on for the event..
Race participants raised over $5 million in 2010 and have set a goal to reach the $6 million mark for 2011 by the end of October. These monies will be used to provide grants to community-based organizations providing life-saving breast health, education, screening and treatment.
“Just about everyone knows someone whose life has been affected by breast cancer,” Herb said. “At the Race, the sea of pink survivor shirts gave everyone hope that we can beat this devastating disease. Lehigh Swimming and Diving will continue our participation in the Race each year, so if you can join us next year we would love to see you. Bring a survivor!”