NENA hosting inaugural run/walk Oct. 22Date: 10/3/2011 SPRINGFIELD — New England Neurosurgical Associates is proud to sponsor the inaugural “We’ve Got Your Back” 5K run/walk, the signature awareness and fund-raising event of The Spinal Research Foundation (SRF).
The 5K run/walk will take place on Oct. 22 at Forest Park, and includes a Spinal Health Fair where people can learn how their spine works and what can be done to prevent injury in the future. The run/walk is also an occasion to celebrate “Spinal Champions” who have overcome back and neck pain and are no longer suffering.
Spinal disease and back pain is an unwelcomed guest in the lives of 35 million people, Christopher H. Comey, M.D., from New England Neurosurgical Associates, noted.
“More than 90 percent of the population will suffer from severe neck and /or back pain during their lifetime. Spinal disease is the cause of missed work, depression, and loss of financial status. It knows no boundaries and affects everyone, young and old, men or women, powerful or helpless,” he added.
Thomas C. Schuler, M.D., F.A.C.S, president of SRF, said, “SRF is identifying the best treatments for spinal problems through a national network of research centers. This network is expanding to all 50 states. We are challenging all of the Regional Research Partners to host 5K events to raise awareness of spinal treatment success, help individuals establish goals to improve their health, and to raise funds for further research.”
Springfield’s Mayor, Domenic J. Sarno, will kick off the event. The Spinal Health Fair begins at 8 a.m. and Opening Ceremonies start at 8:45 a.m.
The 5K race begins at 9 a.m., followed by a one mile run/walk. The certified 5K takes a scenic route through beautiful Forest Park. The heavily wooded route is sure to offer some classic New England Foliage. Winners of the race will receive a cash prize ranging from $50 to 300. All children to finish the one-mile run/walk will be given a commemorative medal.
Upcoming events in other cities include: Philadelphia, Penn., this fall, Washington, D.C., next spring and Indianapolis, Ind., in the fall of 2012
For more information, visit www.spinerf.org.
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