'Run to Remember' Benefits KCH

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 31, 2009) − Lexington firefighters are kicking off their 2009 Week of Giving with the Run to Remember, a 4.03-mile run/walk. The event, which benefits Kentucky Children's Hospital, begins at 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at the University of Kentucky Coldstream Research Park, Newtown Pike, Lexington. Runners will have the option of donating 20 percent of the registration fee to the Lexington Fallen Firefighters Memorial.

The Run to Remember is held to honor the 403 New York City firefighters and 60 police officers and Port Authority police officers who died in the line of duty on Sept. 11, 2001, in response to the terrorist attack on America.  

"No one will ever forget the tragic events of September 11, 2001," said Lt. Stewart Dawson, chaplain, Lexington Fire Department. "In fact, when the topic is brought up, it is often in the context of the horror and sorrow that will forever accompany that date in history. However, in the days and months that followed those events, the United States Fire Service was the unsolicited recipient of an incredible and perhaps unprecedented wave of public support and good will."

It was with this in mind that in 2004 Dawson initiated what is now known as “The Week of Giving.” Occurring annually around Sept. 11, this week is set aside specifically for the members of the Lexington Fire Department to give back to the community that continually supports its public servants. During this week, firefighters go above and beyond their normal duties to perform acts of charity and goodwill as a “thank you” to the residents of Lexington.

The run/walk is sponsored by the Fellowship of Christian Firefighters, the International Association of Firefighters Local 526 and by corporate sponsor Emergency Medical Training Professionals.

“There is so much inspiration for this run – the kids from the hospital, the memory of the many public servants who died on 911, and the kindness and caring Americans showed in the days that followed,” said Loralyn Cecil, manager of community relations for Kentucky Children’s Hospital. “It will be a great event and I hope runners, walkers, kids, families and all the people who care about our community will come together in support of Kentucky Children’s Hospital."

The entry fee is $20 before Aug. 31 and $25 beginning Sept. 1, including race day. For more information or to register, go to www.runtoremember.webs.com. To register by mail, make checks payable to FCF and send to FCF/The Run to Remember, 601 Deltino Ct. Lexington, Ky. 40505.