Lacing Up for Hope: ChristianaCare’s Friends 5K Run/Walk Raises Over $300,000 to Fight Cancer
Proceeds support bench-to-bedside cancer research—and there's still time to give
Runners and walkers rallied for friends and family to make the event a success.
This year’s race was a tremendous success, drawing over 900 participants — nearly double the number from last year – and raising more than $307,000 for cancer research. These funds will support bench-to-bedside cancer research, which translates discoveries from the laboratory directly into patient care through clinical trials.
“Every step taken during the Friends 5K brings us closer to breakthroughs that can change lives,” said Thomas Schwaab, M.D., Ph.D., Bank of America Endowed Medical Director of the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute.
Thomas Schwaab, M.D., Ph.D., Bank of America Endowed Medical Director of the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute and Christopher Mitchell, M.D., director of robotic surgery at the Graham Cancer Center show their medals after the race.
“The funds raised not only support vital research but also inspire hope for patients and their families who are battling cancer," Schwaab said. "We are deeply grateful for the support of our community and how they rallied to make this event a success for such a worthy cause.
“The ultimate goal of bench-to-bedside research is to improve patient care. By rapidly integrating new discoveries into clinical practice, patients can benefit from the latest advancements in cancer treatment, potentially leading to better survival rates and quality of life.”
Dennis Voorheis, chair of the Friends of the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center and Research Institute, was joined by Laura Mackler, Development directior, and Nicholas Petrelli, M.D., director Cawley Center for Translational Cancer Research, to cheer on the participants at the finish line.
The Friends 5K race is sponsored by the all-volunteer Friends of the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute, which works in cooperation with the clinical staff of the Graham Cancer Center to help fund programs that enhance the patient care experience, support cancer research, and provide public education on prevention, early detection and treatment of cancer.
“The culmination of months of planning, combined with the success achieved on race day through record participation and fundraising, inspired an overwhelming sense of gratitude among our co-chair group and everyone involved in this common cause,” said Dennis Voorheis, chair of the Friends of Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute.
“So far, we have surpassed our funding goal by more than $50,000, which is a testament to the dedication of our participants and supporters," Voorheis said. "We are immensely grateful to everyone involved in the Friends 5K race. This achievement serves as a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together in the fight against cancer.”
The funds raised will continue to grow as people contribute and make donations, which will be accepted through December 31.
As participants made their way along the race course, a sense of hope was in the air.
Heather Panichelli, a clinical nurse specialist at Christiana Hospital has bravely battled breast cancer since March. She was surrounded by her team of supporters dressed in pink.
“I’ve worked here at the Emergency Department for 18 years, so this meant a lot to me to receive my care here,” Panichelli said. “It’s important to raise money and help future cancer patients here.”
The Junior Board at ChristianaCare cheered and sent positive words of encouragement to runners and walkers as they approached the final leg of the race.
Claudine Richardson, co-president of the Junior Board at ChristianaCare, spent time at the finish line cheering for runners and walkers finishing the race.
“We’re here to support the Friends of the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute,” Richardson said. We’re about 20 strong, and we’re just waiting for the rest of our crew to come through, cheering everyone on.”
“This is a worthy cause. I love that so many people came out this year, it’s great.”
The Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute is nationally recognized as a leader in cancer clinical trials, enrolling seven times more patients in National Cancer Institute clinical trials than the national rate.
At any given time, the Graham Cancer Center typically has more than 700 patients enrolled in as many as 130 different clinical trials. For patients, this success means that they have access to the best treatments and procedures available to fight their specific type of cancer.
“ChristianaCare is deeply grateful for the opportunity to enhance the quality of life for cancer patients through compassionate care, rigorous research and comprehensive education,” said Dia Williams Adams, MPA, vice president of Philanthropy at ChristianaCare. The community’s generosity empowers us to make a meaningful impact on everyone we serve.”
The 5th annual Friends 5K Run/Walk is scheduled for Sunday, September 27, 2026.
Congratulations to the winners and all participants! (See all results and times here.)