Reading Hospital Road Run is set for October 15, 2023, hosted by The Friends of Reading Hospital. Two races are available: a half marathon and a 5K. The deadline for registration is October 10.
Funds raised from the run will benefit the McGlinn Cancer Institute Patient Assistance Fund, which assists cancer patients in need with non-medical expenses during surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy at the institute.
“We are so grateful to The Friends of Reading Hospital and Reading Hospital Foundation for their continued support of our patients,” said Michael Brown, MD, Medical Director, McGlinn Cancer Institute at Reading Hospital. “This fund is life-changing. We have had many patients come to us worried that they would have to choose between seeking treatment or paying their bills – something no patient should ever have to do. The McGlinn Patient Assistance Fund alleviates some of that stress so our patients can focus on their health journey.”
An average of 1,200 new patients are screened each year at McGlinn Cancer Institute, and roughly one-third of those indicate financial concerns before starting treatment. In 2022, the Reading Hospital McGlinn Cancer Institute Patient Assistance Fund aided patients seeking treatment at the center with a variety of non-medical expenses such as rent assistance, grocery bills, and transportation to and from treatment.
Among the patients the fund assisted, the youngest was 18 and the oldest was 81 years old. Patients in need received approximately $600 to help cover expenses such as housing and utilities, car and gas payments, groceries, and lymphedema garments.
Every donation will continue to provide life-changing support to those receiving treatment at McGlinn Cancer Institute. Donations may also be made to the McGlinn Cancer Institute Patient Assistance Fund without registering for the race.
- $50 donation - provides a gift card to ensure patients have gas to get to their appointments for care and treatment.
- $100 donation - ensures patients can pay a utility bill or feed their families.
“When a patient is diagnosed with cancer there can be many unknowns,” said Beth Kohl, The Friends of Reading Hospital Board Member and Chair of Road Run. “Patients don’t know if they'll be able to continue to work and that can have a significant impact on their families. We are proud that we helped 53 people in 2022 and hope to expand our assistance in 2023 and beyond.”
Reading Hospital Road Run offers runners both a half marathon and a 5K event that is chip-timed and covers a variety of rolling terrain in neighborhoods and local parks surrounding Reading Hospital. The event is open to runners of all experience levels.
5K Pricing:
- $32 per runner - July 1 to September 18
- $38 per runner - September 19 to October 10
Half Marathon Pricing:
- $75 per runner - July 1 to September 18
- $85 per runner - September 19 to October 10
View an infographic of the McGlinn Cancer Institute Patient Assistance Fund.
About Reading Hospital
Reading Hospital is the flagship, Magnet Recognized, acute care hospital of Tower Health. Located in West Reading, Pa., Reading Hospital is a 697-bed hospital that is home to many top-tier specialty care centers, including Reading HealthPlex, McGlinn Cancer Institute, Miller Regional Heart Center, Emergency Department, Level I Trauma Center and Beginnings Maternity Center, which houses the region's only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). With more than 1,000 physicians, specialists, and advanced practice providers across 49 locations, Reading Hospital has been recognized for its quality outcomes and clinical expertise across service lines. It is listed as one of America's 100 Best Hospitals for four consecutive years and has been named one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals in 2022 and 2023. For more information, visit towerhealth.org.