The annual Northwest Hope and Healing 5k Run and Walk started promptly at 9:00 am Sunday, Aug. 28 and 1200 runners, walkers and other participants were out in force for the event.

The out-and-back route ran from the Statue of Liberty at Alki Beach Park & the historic Bathhouse, along the waterfront to Anchor Park.

A $100 minimum fundraising goal was set for the participants. Director of Northwest Hope and Healing Shari Sewell estimated the event raised, "more than $50,000."

The winner of the men's race was Fred Whittaker. In second place was Justin Colber. The first female finisher was 10 year old Kelsey Lenzie who said,"It felt really good to win, that's like my first time. Last year was my first 5k and I got a 24 and today it was 20:45."

Carol Dellinger, who calls herself a "Warrior Marathon Runner" was there to take part and said, "I just celebrated my 18th month as a breast cancer survivor and I'll be running my 254th marathon next weekend in Sun River, Oregon. I was an inspiration even before getting breast cancer having run that many marathons but now even more after running 250 marathons I'm just as proud of being a breast cancer survivor as having run those races. Coming to an event like this you know, Northwest Hope and Healing, they are there every step of the way for a woman when they start their journey through breast cancer. They are there to guide and support women. It is just a team of people that is needed. It's pretty hard to do it on your own. I say 'Cancer didn't win this battle, I won this battle.'"
I just have such a new lease on life, to be alive and I really truly believe things happen for a reason and I believe I was given the challenge of overcoming breast cancer so I could encourage other women."

Northwest Hope and Healing is different from many cancer relief organizations because they are focused on providing basic needs to women who are battling breast cancer. Your donation goes directly to help women who are suffering. $25 provides a Healing Basket, $50 buys groceries, $100 keeps the lights on and the phone connected, $250 ensures childcare during treatment and recovery, $500 helps prevent an eviction.

There were prizes for 1st & 2nd place finishers, prizes for the largest team and prizes for the top fundraisers.
Visit http://www.alkibeachrun.com/ for more information.

The final race results will be posted later.

The organization may put together a fall wine tasting but no dates have yet been determined.

About Northwest Hope and Healing

Northwest Hope & Healing is a non-profit organization founded by Christine Smith in 2000. Christine created the foundation while undergoing breast cancer treatment at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, Washington. Her goal was to help newly diagnosed breast cancer patients in the Puget Sound area.

The mission of Northwest Hope & Healing is to provide financial assistance to women in need who are battling breast and gynecological cancer. The Patient Assistance Fund provides assistance for every day living expenses such as child care, groceries, reliable transportation, and emergency rent. In addition, signature “Healing Baskets” are assembled and delivered, at no charge, to newly diagnosed breast cancer patients.

The goal of Northwest Hope & Healing is to assist women with the healing process so they may begin to feel whole once again. We assist women on their journeys and give them hope for the future.