Strides for Stroke Set for July 10 (7/7/2008)

HAMILTON, NEW JERSEY – The 17th annual Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton Foundation 5K Run and 2K Health Walk presented by Sean's Landscaping will cover a scenic course through the hospital's campus and Veteran's Park on Thursday, July 10, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

The 5K race, one of the summer's only USA Track and Field-New Jersey (USATF-NJ) Grand Prix events in the area, is being coordinated by Baldasari-Leestma Race Management. Proceeds from the event benefit the stroke program at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (RWJ Hamilton) – a Health Grades award winner for Excellence in Stroke Care.

Registration for both the walk and run begins at 5:30 p.m. The 2K health walk begins at 6:30 p.m. and the 5K race will begin at 7:30 p.m. Participants will be treated to a live DJ, and post-race refreshments including pizza generously donated by Brother's Pizza on Route 33.

"Our Strides for Stroke 5K run/2K health walk is a great way to incorporate healthy exercise and support for our valuable community stroke services," says Karla T. Stein, Vice President, RWJ Hamilton Foundation. "We are fortunate this year to have Deborah Latimer, a stroke survivor, address all participants before the event. Deborah suffered a sudden stroke while making dinner at home last February and due to her fast response to the stroke symptoms and the fact that she received immediate care from our accredited stroke team, Deborah is doing well and wants to share her story with others.”

Proceeds from the event will help fund various stroke programs at RWJ Hamilton, including stroke survivor /caregiver conferences, support groups, stroke medical conferences, screenings and educational materials.

All 2K walk finishers will receive ribbons. The top three overall male and female finishers in the 5K run will receive prize money. Prizes will also be awarded in the 5K to the top three male and female finishers in each age group. All pre-registered event participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt; onsite registrants will receive shirts while supplies last.

Computerized race timing and scoring will be completed through Compuscore, a leading service for capturing and displaying results from running and athletic events. All results will be available following the race on compuscore.com. Baldasari & Leetsma Race Management is managing the event's racecourse and finish line.

Pre-event entry fees are $20; those with valid USATF-NJ memberships may pre-register for $18. The registration fee on race day is $25. Registration is available online at www.practicehard.com. Updated information about the event is available through the race hotline at 609.890.8343. For directions to the starting line at RWJ Hamilton, visit rwjhamilton.org/directions.

More About RWJ Hamilton Foundation
Founded in 1984, the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton Foundation is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that raises funds to support patient care services and special projects for Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (RWJ Hamilton) and The Cancer Institute of New Jersey Hamilton. RWJ Hamilton relies on contributions and monies raised by the Foundation to continually grow and support the community’s healthcare needs. Led by a board of directors, the Foundation depends on the generous support of private donors, corporations, family foundations and charitable trusts. An active Auxiliary and the Young Professionals Group organize and host events that encourage community support. In addition to offering a variety of major gift and planned giving opportunities, the Foundation’s signature fundraising events include a Golf Classic, Autumn Affair gala, a 2K walk/5K run and All in Good Taste, a wine/beer networking social. For more information, visit rwjuhhfoundation.org.