The seventh annual “Crush Cancer Fun Run” is set to take place on Sunday, June 9, at 11 a.m., starting off at 741 Cornwallis Drive in Mt. Laurel.
Justin Koch, now a freshman at Lenape High School, started the run when he was just 9 years old and in the third grade at Hillside Elementary School.
At the time, shortly after completing a unit of learning on community service, Koch’s teacher, Tracy Newhart, was diagnosed with cancer.
“I had not quite realized at the time how this would affect everyone around me,” Koch said. “Ms. Newhart was a friend to everyone and even in her hardest times, she always found a way to try to improve others day. Ms. Newhart inspired me to help those who needed it most with her kind heart.
Soon after, Koch asked his parents if there was something his family could do to help.
“They let me do this little run, and the run has grown over the years and we have raised $40,000 to date to fight cancer,” Koch said.
According to Koch, the run has split the proceeds throughout the years with the American Cancer Society and Throw Cancer a Curveball to help the family of former Shawnee student Dan Hill.
This year, the run will raise money to help a kindergarten boy who is undergoing treatment for cancer.
The boy also attends Hillside Elementary School, just as Koch did.
This year’s run is one-quarter of a mile long, and anyone can participate, including pets.
The event will also feature raffle prizes, food and drinks.
