8th annual GOah Noah! 5K run/walk raises funds for the Ronald McDonald House of Detroit
Shelby Township, MI … Runners ages 10 to 70 sprinted through the woods on a rainy Saturday morning on Oct. 1 at the 8th Annual GOah Noah! 5K trail run at Stony Creek Metropark to benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Detroit.
Winners of the race were Ric Giles, male, 40-49 age group, at 21:17; and Carmen Drury, female, age group 30-39, at 25:07. In the youth group, Adam Walters, age 13-19, ran the course in 21:18. There were 41 runners and more than 50 walkers.
D.J. Michael Karath played music to warm up the crowd. A Rock the Booth photo booth and portrait photographer Eric Perry provided added fun. The winner of the 50/50 drawing gave the money back to the House. Muffins and coffee were provided by McDonald’s restaurant at 17 Mile and Van Dyke in Sterling Heights. Event sponsors were McDonald’s, McCain, and Dr. Pepper.
Renee Sullivan, of Shelby Township, started the event to help parents cope with medical crises. It is named after her son, Noah Wexler, who was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor, medulloblastoma, at age 9. He survived and is thriving as a 17-year-old student in 11th grade at Utica High School.
The Ronald McDonald House of Detroit offers a home away from home to families who are dealing with serious health issues that require the hospitalization of a child. The majority of families who stay at the House are tending to children with cancer.
Sullivan said, “The staff and volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House of Detroit have helped thousands of families over the years. This is our way to contribute to the cause of helping families deal with and overcome their child’s cancer.”
“This fun family event raised nearly $8,000 through fees, a 50-50 raffle and sponsors. We’re closing in on the last $350,000 to meet our $3 million goal for the expansion campaign before year-end,” said Jennifer Litomisky, executive director of the Ronald McDonald House of Detroit.
Noah’s brother Jack Wexler, 15, ran the race along with several fellow students from Utica High School.
