Felicia Chu

DOS 503: Clinical Practicum III

University of Wisconsin La-Crosse
12/3/19

Lahey Health Cancer Institute 5K Walk & Run

This fall, I volunteered for Lahey Cancer Institute’s annual 5K Cancer Walk and Run.
We gathered a team at my clinical site, with everyone included from physicians, reception,
dosimetrists, therapists, and nurses. We donated to the cause and raised awareness for our team
campaign, Radiate Love.
We raised funds through team donations, sponsors from friends and family, and local
businesses, who often donate leftover flowers to the department for cancer patients. I find it
humbling, and unbelievably heartwarming to see a group of people gather for a great cause.
When I arrived for the run that sunny Saturday morning, I was greeted by my team, clad
in matching Lahey health T-shirts. Many of my coworkers invited spouses and children, and so
our department felt like it had grown into one big family. We mobbed together, impressed by the
amount of people trickling in. There were billowing white tents set up squarely around a patch of
soccer field, handing out pre-run goodies like snacks and T-shirts and also staffed by volunteers.
Blades, the lovable Boston Bruins bear mascot, made a guest appearance; he lept through the
crowd and kicked off the rally with high fives and hugs.
I was initially planning on walking with the group, but one of the dosimetrists at my
clinical site and alumni of the UW La Crosse dosimetry program, Patrick Sheil, announced that
he was intending on running. His declaration of war brought out my competitive edge. As soon
as the gun went off at the start line, I had to run too. He burst off into a quick start, and I slowly
trailed behind him. He has approximately two feet of extra leg length compared to me, but I
convinced myself that his days of sitting at a dosimetry office desk, planning head and necks,
had slowed him down. I was wrong.
With the suburban houses flickering by, I felt a wave of energy from the crowd of
runners. A group of motorcyclists rushed by, cheering us on. The music blared from speakers
carried by other runners. The cement path transitioned to dirt, then to grass, as we looped
through the quiet town of Medford, MA. The Lahey run was an event that brought us together,
and something we all learned from.
Like my previous volunteer work, teamwork and appreciation was the heart of this event.
By working with a group of volunteers, I was involved in organizing activities and planning
schedules. Like a smoothly operated radiation oncology department, different people came
together to contribute their best efforts towards helping cancer patients. The experience was a
humbling reminder that everything we do is for our patients. Working together is the most
efficient way to combine our strengths into a common cause.

2019 Lahey Health Cancer Institute 5k Walk and Run Group Picture
A sunny morning to race