CULLMAN – It was the perfect fall day, cool and sunny. It was a great day for being outside, and taking a short stretch of legs by running 5 kilometers. The Cullman County Bosom Buddies Foundation and supporters could not have asked for a better day to come together to raise money and awareness.
Not only was the weather ideal, but participants were also able to enjoy running around one of Cullman’s most scenic parks, Sportsman Lake. Mary Dyer, head over the foundation was happy with the turnout and support for their first year.
“It was sort of a rushed put together this time around,” said Dyer. “At our board meeting, we had decided not to do anything at first. I went outside to see another member in tears and she said ‘Mary, we have to do something for October’, and I knew she was right so we ended up putting the 5K together.”
Approximately 43 runners participated in the 5K, with the youngest participant being only 6 years old. T-shirts were given as part of the $25 registration fee, and Dyer said that she thinks that this might help them achieve their goal of $10,000.
“I am hoping we will raise close to 10 grand,” she said. “We are looking really good. We got over $6,000 dollars in sponsorship.”
With several generous sponsors like the Cullman Power Board, Cullman Electric Cooperative, Lucas Auto Repair, Sherriff Mike Rainey and Peoples Bank of Alabama, Bosom Buddies was able to pull the run together and add to their funds. One of the points of pride for the group is their dedication to making sure that 100 percent of all proceeds go back to those undergoing treatment in the community.
The first runner to cross the finish line Saturday was 17-year-old Colton Teelios from Holly Pond with a time of 21 minutes and 16 seconds. Colton runs for his school’s track team, and saw a pamphlet at school for the run.
“I saw the pamphlet and thought it would be a fun run, and it’s for a good cause,” he said.
Coming up in second place was Cullman’s own Dr. Jeremy Stidham with a time of 23 minutes and 13 seconds. Stidham, in addition to treating the people of Cullman, is also an avid runner.
“I participate in probably 10 5K runs a year,” said Stidham. “It was perfect weather, lots of good people and refreshments. It was a good day.”
The Cullman County Bosom Buddies Foundation is doing wonderful and important work in our community by helping those undergoing treatment get what they need while they are battling cancer. Dyer, a 26-year strong breast cancer survivor, says that no one should have to worry about a light bill while going through treatment.
“We just really want to help people,” she said. “No one earns a penny from this organization except those people that really need it – the patients. We are just trying to make a difference in their lives.”
