On June 4th, 2017, Balsama Buddies from all over New Jersey met at Washington Lake Park in Sewell to participate in the annual Kennedy Health Cancer Survivors 5K. More than just an opportunity to give back, the Kennedy 5K gave participants a chance to recognize their progress and support each other in their journeys. Balsama Buddies in all stages of recovery walked, ran, and danced over the finish line. The 5K was a perfect opportunity to check in with the community, push each other, and spend a beautiful summer day in the park with the doctor.
As an avid runner, Dr. Balsama never misses a chance to support his community and get them moving. Not only has he joined them for the Kennedy Health 5K, he also hosts a virtual running club inside an exercise app where patients’ activities can be logged, so members can encourage each other.
The Balsama Buddies formed the largest of the 12 groups participating in the 5K, raising $23,000 for the Patient Assistance Fund at Kennedy Health’s Center for Hope & Healing. The fund helps patients who encounter financial challenges during their cancer treatment and allows them to focus their energy on recovery.
