This year’s Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Hero fundraiser, held this past Sunday, had over 2,700 participants and raised over $775,000 and counting for patients at the CHaD, an increase from the $700,000 raised last year.
The fundraiser consisted of four events: a half marathon, 5K run and walk, 15 mile bike ride and a special one mile Cam Course fun run. The Cam Course is named after CHaD patient Cameron Marshall, who was diagnosed with leukemia in elementary school. Now a Hanover High school student, Marshall helped give back to the CHaD community by running the half marathon.
President Phil Hanlon was also present to kick off the Cam Course along with Dartmouth athletics staff and athletes, who gave the kids high-fives as they started and finished the race.
Over 300 volunteers came from Dartmouth athletic teams, fraternities and sororities to help with the event.
Positive Tracks, a Hanover-based non-profit organization, was the sponsor of this year’s fundraiser, donating an amount matching the funds raised by all youth participants 23 years old or younger.
In addition, many local Upper Valley companies donated food such as pasta, bread and even crepes for the participants.
“It is an incredible feeling to see all the kids giving back given the situations they have grown in and all of the support from the Dartmouth community for the event,” CHaD event coordinator Andrea M. Denhart said.
All of the donations go directly to the patients and family support services at CHaD.
