GRH Fun Run for Cancer Awareness

By Trish Yerges, for Grande Ronde Hospital

Grande Ronde Hospital (GRH) is always focused on cancer awareness and prevention, and providing the newest treatment therapies available to cancer patients. As a direct result, a greater number of cancer patients today are surviving their cancers, and for that reason, June is noted as National Cancer Survivor Month.  

“We see a significant number of people living longer with cancer by taking advanced treatments and therapies,” Karrine Brogoitti, GRH’s Director of Communications and Marketing, said. “Early detection and timely treatments are key to surviving cancer without compromising quality of life.” 

To raise awareness of cancer and honor those in the community who have been impacted by it, Grande Ronde Hospital announces its third annual Cancer Awareness Fun Run on Saturday, June 21. Everyone is invited to lace up their shoes for a one-mile or five-kilometer walk or run—your choice.  

It’s free and fun for people of all ages and fitness levels. Participants can choose the course they want to walk or run, and bring along their family and friends for a morning of fun and community. While there, meet the amazing GRH Oncology and Hematology care team.   

“This walk/run is all about uniting our community in the fight against cancer,” Brogoitti said. “This event aims to spread awareness about cancer, support our community members, the survivors who have braved the odds, and the families who have lost loved ones to cancer.”  

No registration is required for the Fun Run/Walk. Just sign up at 8 a.m. at the Eastern Oregon University Quad on the main campus. The race starts at 9 a.m., and the route is available at https://www.grh.org/blog/posts/cancer-awareness-fun-run/. Attendees may also order a Fun Run t-shirt on the website and wear their support at the event or make their statement all year long!

At the event, look for the GRH Oncology Tent where you can meet the hospital’s team of professionals who treat and care for cancer patients. 

“During the event, there will be a small presentation from GRH President/CEO Jeremy Davis, as he thanks retiring Dr. Bronstein for his time with us and introduces Dr. Patrick Archie to the attendees,” Brogoitti said.  

Dr. Bronstein is retiring at the end of June after more than 30 years of serving cancer patients, 13 of those years were spent in Northeast Oregon. His successor, Dr. Patrick Archie, started working with the GRH Oncology and Hematology team in early May, and he is currently seeing patients.  

Runners and walkers of the Fun Run are encouraged to stop by the GRH Oncology Tent before and after the run to meet Dr. Archie and the rest of the oncology, hematology, and infusion care team led by GRH Nurse Manager, Jenny Gonzalez, BSN-C.

“This walk is about coming together as a community to honor those we’ve lost, celebrate those still fighting, and remind each other that early detection saves lives,” Gonzalez said. “Advances in cancer care have given many a second chance, but too often, a late diagnosis takes that chance away.” 

Consequently, the need for cancer awareness persists.  Gonzalez invites everyone to help promote cancer awareness at the free Fun Run on June 21. “Every step helps move the conversation forward,” Gonzalez said. 

Light refreshments and snacks are available during and after the event. Join us!