‘Why we run’ – hear from Providence’s Hood To Coast teams
The Providence Cancer Crushers cross the finish line in the 2023 Hood & Portland To Coast Relay
PROVIDENCE OREGON –This year, 10 Providence caregiver teams are participating in the Providence Hood To Coast relay, to accomplish personal goals, honor people in their lives, and support charity.
Hundreds of caregivers entered the lottery earlier this year for a chance to participate, with the commitment to represent Providence and be part of our #FINISHCANCER campaign. Providence Cancer Institute is the designated charity for Providence Hood to Coast.
On Aug. 23, our 10 teams will be among the thousands of runners and walkers from around the world participating in Providence Hood To Coast and Portland To Coast.
Meet our teams and donate
Providence All About That Pace
Providence I Thought This Was a 5K
Providence Perspire to Inspire
Why we run
Robert M., Providence Running on Empty
“This is my third HTC. My first one was in 2022 and I was running as a tribute to my former colleague here in Seaside, Dr. Ben Cockcroft who we sadly lost in a snowboarding accident in 2021.
“Last year, it was about the opportunity to join up with my Providence Seaside friends and colleagues and continue to support such a great fundraiser for the cancer institute.
“This year, I have had my own share of health concerns to overcome and keep running. I am running because I still can as I approach my 65th birthday, and that is a blessing that I do not take for granted.
“As a cardiologist, I have seen the toll cancer takes on my patients and so I am running for them. I have had family members experience various cancers and so I am running for them. This year will also be special because my son Andrew will be joining me, and I know this will be a very special memory for both of us in the years to come.”
Amy B., Providence All About That Pace
“I am walking for my friend’s daughter Lily who passed away from an ATRT brain tumor in 2023 at 2 years of age. She was diagnosed when she was 14 months old and lost her battle a year and a half after. Watching and hearing Briana’s (Mother’s) experience with hope, denial, and grief with her second and last year of life, being hospitalized and undergoing treatments, to then losing her baby to cancer was the most heartbreaking story.
“My Auntie Mary just passed in fall of 2023 of a glioblastoma after being misdiagnosed with migraines for a year. She passed about eight months after being diagnosed.
“I had surgery on a benign brain tumor in 2017 which fortunately has not re-occurred. This was not cancer but a close enough experience to share a personal fear myself. We CAN do better and find a cure.”
Erica K., Providence Heart and Sole
“I am running for my friend Mace, who was diagnosed with AML in April.”
Colleen W., Providence All About That Pace
“After her 18-year journey with breast cancer, I lost my sister Cathy to the disease on April 11, 2023. Her memory brings me many blessings, the inspiration to participate in this walk, and courage. I walk for her and all those who have been touched by cancer. I walk for the cure.”
Mindy G., Providence Heart to Coast
“Dr. Jamie Beckerman, cardiologist at Providence St. Vincent, started Heart to Start years ago, and I've been participating in that couch to 5K program since 2014. I picked up walking/running 5Ks as a hobby because of him and the program, and then got the chance to be part of the Heart to Coast team in 2017. I love the challenge, the camaraderie, and the fact that it's all done for such a good cause.”
