NHP neighbors come out to honor young girl

Richard Tedesco

Nearly 1,000 people lined up on Lakeville Road for the third annual Katie’s Run 5K run and 2K walk last Sunday morning to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House in memory of Katie McBride.

Katie McBride succumbed to Burkitt’s Lymphoma, a rare form of cancer, at age 11 in 2008. Her father, Michael McBride, conceived the event as a life-affirming event to honor his daughter and support the Ronald McDonald House, where her family spent much of their time in the final months of her illness.

“Thank you for helping us remember Katie in a very special way,” McBride, told the participants at the starting line near the New Hyde Park Funeral where he is the director.

Rev. Eric Olsen, former pastor of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in New Hyde Park, offered an invocation with words from St. Paul.

“Beautiful are the feet of the messenger that bring the good news,” he told the runners and walkers. “You’re witnesses to the fact that Katie is still alive.”

Olsen had spent time with Katie in the hospital during her last days. He told the crowd she had been fond of knock-knock jokes and shared one with them.

His answer to Katie’s “Who’s there?” was “Let us,” and his answer to “Let us who?” was “Let us pray.”

Military veterans Mario Obertis and William Hothan of G.&E. Linder VFW Post 8301 had presented the colors and Angela Powers had sung “God Bless America.”

The runners took off going south on Lakeville Road under a giant American flag spanning the roadway between two fire trucks of the New Hyde Park Fire Department. The walkers headed north.

The runners included members of the Fordham University basketball team, who came out to recognize Michael McBride Jr., who is their team manager.

“We’re just coming here to support him. Fordham basketball’s just one big family so have to come out to support him,” Fordham basketball player Khalid Robinson said.  

Fordham basketball coach Tom Pecora said the team also were motivated by the story of how young Katie had struggled with her illness.

“We were moved by the story of his sister and how hard she fought,” Pecora said.

Many of the participants shared similar sentiments in New Hyde Park Memorial Park after completing the course. That included Katie’s eldest brother, Patrick, who said the spirit of the event was something his sister would enjoy.  

“I love this run. It’s great to see everybody,” he said. “This is right up Katie’s alley. She’d be talking to everybody.” 

Victor Miranda walked the course on behalf of his 12-year-old son, Victor, who is currently hospitalized for leukemia treatments.

“He suggested I walk,” Miranda said.

Approximately 650 people had pre-registered online for the event. Tom Biggers, president of the New York Police Department Road Runners, estimated there were approximately 300 people who registered on Sunday.
“I love my daughter and I’m very happy I could do it for her,” said McBride, who was joined by his wife Jean to present the runners awards in Memorial Park.

The change of venue approved by the New Hyde Park Village Board lent the event a more festive atmosphere. It also provided a longer distance for the Ronald McDonald Fun Run for children that preceded the awards. 

“The McBride family is to be commended for this event. It’s a great testimony to their daughter’s life,” said New Hyde Park Mayor Daniel Petruccio.

“It’s bigger and better than ever,” said Nassau County Legislator Richard Nicolello .

Ralph Ventura, a member of the Greater New Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce and vice president of M&T Bank, both event sponsors, was also pleased with the community’s response.

“It’s a fabulous turnout. It’s a big turnout for a special cause,” said Ventura.

The New Hyde Park Chamber sponsored the water stations along the race route and at the finishing field. 

Richard DeMartino, a past chamber president and current chamber board member, said Valley Bank, where he is a vice president, was a sponsor because “we want to be part of the community.”

Ryan McDermott, the overall men’s winner with a time of 16:12:72, said his reason in participating for the third year was a non-competitive one.

“I came to support the McBride Foundation,” he said.

Thomas Awad, a Chaminade graduate who said his grandmother was a friend of the McBrides, finished third with a 17:01:71. He will be running for the University of Pennsylvania this fall, 

For Olivia Chan, a junior at New Hyde Park Memorial who ran the top time at 23:39 among the student women, it was first year at the event.

“It’s for a good cause and I love running,” she said.

Ann Keenan, whose sons Peter and Kevin posted top times among the men and student runners, respectively, said the community was just expressing thanks to Michael McBride for all he does for others.

“He supports the community and the community supports him,” she said.

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