By Mike Hutchens
Union City, Tenn.–Desperate times call for desperate measures.
The annual Glo For A Cure 5K Run/Walk that benefits the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and has raised nearly $150,000 over the past seven years, has been canceled due to the concern over the COVID-19 public health threat.
Laney Rogers — the event’s coordinator since its inception — made the difficult decision, citing the timeliness of meeting deadlines of putting together an event of its magnitude while also being sensitive to the health and safety of all participants as determining factors.
“The fact that the Glo For A Cure has been such a driving force of hope for me and my family made this an even more-difficult decision,” said Rogers, whose daughter, Ada, is battling CF along with juvenile diabetes and is now exploring home-bound options amid the COVID-19 threat.
“At the end of the day, though, I just didn’t feel comfortable asking the 600 or so people who regularly participate in the event and show their support for my child to do so with all the hysteria surrounding to coronavirus. There’s just too much uncertainty and too many unknowns.”
Rogers said she consulted with the CF Foundation as well as the Tennessee Department of Health and other government agencies before making her decision.
The event was scheduled for April 17 and plans were to memorialize Kathleen Parker, the Union City Schools music teacher who collapsed and passed away during last year’s race. That will still happen at a future event, according to Rogers.
Event sponsors have been notified of the decision to cancel this year’s event, and some who pre-registered have already been refunded their money. A handful of sponsors have already been contacted about having their contributions returned as well.
Dozens of volunteers who helped work the event have also been made aware of plans to cancel this year’s race.
“It’s heartbreaking, personally, to have to do this year,” Rogers continued. “It’s particularly so because my daughter has been put on a list for a new drug (Trikafta), one we’re hoping we get insurance approval for soon. And that wouldn’t have been possible without the love and support shown us through the Glo For A Cure.
“That’s pretty profound. I would’ve never thought it would’ve been possible.
“This (cancellation) was just something that was simply unavoidable and in everyone’s best interest because of the many unknowns this year.”