The University’s Political Science and Sociology Club helped collect about $1,600 for the Kortney Rose Foundation with their annual 5K Fun Run/Walk on Friday, April 28 at 2:30 pm in front of Wilson Hall.
The Kortney Rose foundation was formed by secretary of the Political Science Department, Kristen Gillette. According to TheKortneyRoseFoundation.org, “[The organization] is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to raising funds to support research and education related to the treatment and cure of pediatric brain tumors.” The foundation was created to honor Kortney Rose, the daughter of Gillette, who passed away at the age of nine four months after being diagnosed with brainstem gliomain in April 2006.
Raising awareness for brain tumors, the number one cancer-related death among children under 19, is the mission of the Kortney Rose Foundation.
This year’s race was dedicated to a local child named Alex who underwent surgery to remove a brain tumor. Gillette spoke to the mother of the boy a few days prior to the fun run/walk and said that she would dedicate this year’s race to him.
“We had over 100 people participate in this year’s event, which is our largest turnout ever at the University,” said Gillette. “The Kortney Rose Foundation is definitely gaining awareness with the help of University students participating in our runs.”
Students, employees, alumni, and local residents were encouraged to participate in the 5K Fun Run/Walk. The race began in front of the steps of Wilson Hall and looped around various on-campus apartments and dorms, the Multipurpose Activity Center, and surrounding local streets.
The total raised for the Kortney Rose race was near $1,600, with two of the largest sponsors being Joe Patten, Chair and Associate Professor of the Political Science Department, and Peter Reinhart, Director of the Kislak Real Estate Institute. Professor Patten donated $10 for every participant who completed the race before him.
Freshman Trever Carpenter participated in this year’s 5K. “I heard about the race from a few friends, and I was definitely interested. I did some research on the Kortney Rose Foundation and I felt that it was a great cause. I definitely wanted to help spread awareness.” Carpenter plans on participating and becoming more involved with non-profit organizations, especially the Kortney Rose Foundation, as he continues to grow at the University.
The fastest male runner was Alec Stabile who clocked in at 19:50 minutes and the fastest female runner was Jenna Intersimone with a time of 22:02 minutes.
Jenna Intersimone, senior communication major who has participated in the 5K race for three consecutive years, said, “It is great to be able to combine a fun and physical activity along with charity. The Kortney Rose Foundation is a phenomenal organization. I am more than happy to do my part to support these children and their families.”
Efforts by the organization have helped name the month of May as “Brain Tumor Awareness Month.”
The next event of the organization will be Kortney’s Challenge Two Mile Fun Run/Walk at Monmouth Park on August 26. Gillette encourages anyone willing to help out the cause to email her atkortneyroseorg@aol.com.
According to Gillette, although Kortney may be gone, her legacy lives on with the foundation that was created in her honor. The foundation continues to grow and impact the hearts of many families, especially here at the University. “I am extremely grateful for the help and support of the political science and sociology club for helping my foundation continue to gain awareness,” said Gillette.
PHOTO COURTESY of Nicole Sidari
