Road Race & Walk Meets with SuccessThe rain and wind didn't deter the almost seven hundred runners and walkers from participating in Partner's Home Care's 5th Annual Halloween Hustle 5K Road Race & Walk on Saturday, October 26, 2002. The agency-wide event is hosted by the MetroWest branch and takes place in the Waban section of Newton. It benefits the agency's infant and pediatric services. Each year in one hundred and forty eastern Massachusetts communities served by PHC, our specialized visiting nurses make it possible for young patients with chronic illnesses such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease to live at home instead of in a nursing home or hospital. This year, the pediatric program is expected to serve close to 4,000 infants, children and adolescents under the age of 19 with over 14,000 in-home visits. While participants enjoyed running, walking, and taking part in the post-race activities and refreshments, there was one poignant moment that truly illustrated the purpose of this event. A former patient, fourteen-year-old Samira Ashour, spoke during the post-race celebration. Last year, Samira had brain surgery and was barely able to walk. Due to the care she received from the nurses and therapists at PHC's MetroWest branch, Samira was able to walk the entire 3.1-mile race! The race is staffed by a number of dedicated volunteers from the community and the agency. One of those volunteers—Andrea Auerbach, RN, a maternal child health nurse from the MetroWest branch—had a special reason for participating. Eight months ago, Andrea's eleven-year-old daughter, Marissa, had a heart transplant, and upon discharge from the hospital became a patient of PHC's South Branch. Today Marissa is an active and healthy seventh grader. The goal for this year's event was to raise $40,000. In spite of the weather, we came very close to reaching that goal. The event, however, would never have been possible without the support of our sponsors. The money, products and prizes they donated helped make this event a success and will support our mission of providing home health care to our youngest patients, regardless of ability to pay. Our appreciation goes out to the following sponsors who supported this event: Major Sponsors
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