The cause is the same even if the process isn’t this year for the Marathon for a Better Life.
The 24th annual walk to aid Schoharie County cancer patients will be a virtual walk, not a physical one, because of the pandemic.
“We’re off and running in uncharted territory,” Marathon President Kathy Diamond said of this Saturday’s event.
“We’re not promoting social gathering.”
A major fundraiser, the annual Marathon provides money for Schoharie County cancer patients, who can get the financial help.
Patients can use the money for any purpose: medicine, groceries, fuel, travel, whatever. No questions are asked.
This year’s virtual Marathon remains a major fundraiser, maybe more than ever.
On Saturday, opening ceremonies will start at 10am via Zoom and Facebook. A link to Zoom is on the Marathon Facebook page.
Not at SUNY Cobleskill as usual, “the ceremonies will be in our living rooms,” Ms. Diamond said.
There will be Angel awards, survivors’ recognition, music by longtime Marathon DJ Brian Garreau, and conversations with Marathon board members. They’ll be on Zoom from 10am to 3pm.
Also, videos and photos from past Marathons will be on Facebook.
The only in-person event will be at Stella Motors on MacArthur Avenue in Cobleskill. There, board member Mina Stella and others will take piggy banks and donations from participants.
There will also be a Marathon gift shop, and luminarias––the traditional end of each Marathon––will be available for people to light at home.
“We’re not promoting teams,” said Ms. Diamond. “That’s not our goal.”
But as always, the goal is to help local cancer patients––especially in a difficult year.
“They need to know we’re still here for them,” Ms. Diamond said.
“We’re working with the hearts of the community. Please be patient with us this year.”