Together for Derek 5K raises more than $15,000 to fight cancer

http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/nazareth/index.ssf/2012/05/post_22.html FROM THE EXPRESS TIMES Maureen Kehoe says she can still picture her son's smile stretching from ear to ear. "Derek would definitely be smiling right now," Kehoe said today at a 5K race in her son's memory at Nazareth Area Middle School in Upper Nazareth Township. "He would be humbled to see this." Derek Kehoe died six years ago after a six-month battle with a rare form of cancer called Leiomyosarcoma. Only four in every million people are affected by LMS, which spreads through blood to attack soft tissues, according to the event's website. Together for Derek, a 5K race and walk in his memory, has raised more than $90,000 in six years for LMS research. This year, $15,500 was raised before the race and Kehoe expected this year's race would raise more money than any other. "The race is different to me because of how it has evolved," Kehoe said. "It's in remembrance of Derek, but it's come to be a resource for people with LMS to call us and get information." Christina Wise, a trainer at Nazareth Area High School and the race director, worked with Derek during his years as a basketball player and came up with the idea for the 5K. She said it's been rewarding to see people in the community with LMS receive treatment, aided by the awareness and money raised by Together for Derek. "This is actually doing something," Wise said. "I know Derek's shining down on us right now." Mark Davis, a six-year volunteer for the race, told of his mother's battle with LMS that began when she was diagnosed last September. "I remember her coming out of the doctor's office and saying, 'Derek passed away after six months, what does this mean for me?'" Davis said Saturday. "After surgery and treatments, my mother is here today cancer-free. Things like this have contributed to saving her life." The first female finisher for the race, Lauren Cancelliere, said she went to Nazareth Area High School with Derek Kehoe. "It's a good cause to come out for," Cancelliere said. This was her third year running in the race. Mary Ann Stangl, a family friend of the Kehoe family, has volunteered at the race for six years. "It warms your heart to see all these people here—and there are more and more faces every year," Stangl said. "He was such a wonderful young man and this is a great way to remember him."