Event Description

On October 26th, 2024, supporters of CJ Cassidy, that include many of her co-workers at Franklin Regional Middle School, will put on the FR vs Cancer 5K & 1-Mile Walk event.  The FR student club, FR vs. Cancer has been gracious enough to host this 5K event for CJ Cassidy.  CJ has been a math teacher at FR for close to over 2 decades.  As our summer break started, CJ found out that she was battling an aggressive type of cancer that was in Stage 4 (in multiple locations in her body).  CJ's supporters have been rallying to help CJ cope and battle this diagnosis and help offset the financial burdens caused by this life-changing news.  

The staff of FR Middle School conducted a dress-down (jean day) donation event in September of 2024 in CJ's honor, and to date FRMS has donated over $4,000 to her cause to cover bills and financial needs that have arisen since she was diagnosed in June of 2024.  This 5K race and 1-Mile Walk are the next steps in the FRMS staff supporting CJ and her family.  We know that there is another 5K event in Murrysville on this date, but it is the only date that the district could afford us, the supporters of CJ, the space on the campus and roads of the FR campus to conduct a fundraiser in CJ's honor.

The 5K race will be a traditional 3.14 mile race that runs through campus grounds and ends on the track of the FR stadium for a final 2 laps while supporters and fans cheer on.  The 5K will start sharply at 9 AM at the rear of the FR Senior High School.  The 1-mile walk will start at 9:05 AM after the runners have started their run though the FR campus.

Registration booths to either check in (if pre-registered) or register the morning of the race will open in the rear lobby of the High School, and patrons can park in the rear parking lot (student lot) and quickly arrive at the rear lobby to check in or register.  Registration will take place from 7:30 AM to 8:50 AM in the rear lobby of the FR High School.

At 8:50, there will be an opening ceremony to honor our nation's flag and hear the National Anthem.  If CJ's health is OK and she can attend the event, she may speak a few words before the race at the opening ceremony or after the race and walk to thank those who have attended to support her fight against this aggressive Stage 4 cancer.

Supporters of CJ look forward to seeing you on the FR campus on the morning of Saturday, October 26, 2024.