Camryn Dudek is a seven-year-old identical twin entering 3rd Grade at Washington School in Union (the youngest of four children). Camy was diagnosed at the age of 6 (just shy of 7) with Anaplastic Pleomorphic Xanthroastrocytoma. Since June 2022, she has undergone seven brain surgeries, with another brain surgery scheduled for the beginning of 2024. In the past year, her parents and family have spent more than 60 days in the hospital, countless hours driving to and from doctors’ appointments, radiation, specialists, etc. She has completed her radiation treatment plan which was from December 2022 – February 2023. Camy started chemo in March, and she has a minimum of 24 cycles of chemo, each cycle being one month long. She will have to stop chemo for a total of 8 weeks before her implant surgery and 8 weeks after, leaving us with another minimum of 2 years of treatment. This treatment plan means that Camy needs MRIs of the brain every four weeks, plus a four-hour MRI of the spine every 12 weeks. Since her tumor is rare (less than 1%), there is not enough research on her treatments as they are still in clinical trial. She is currently on cycle 5 of chemo and tolerating everything well. She will also need monitoring for the rest of her life, due to having hydrocephalus as a result of her brain surgeries. Despite all her challenges, she is truly a warrior and continues to smile. She does not let any of this hold her back, and she continues to show us and everyone else what is truly important in life. Your support of the Greater Union Township Chamber of Commerce Mayor’s Day 5k Run will help Camy and her family defray some of the medical expenses they face.
Twelfth Annual Mayor’s Day 5K Run
Greater Union Township Chamber of Commerce
Runners and walkers of all levels are invited to join the Union Township Chamber of Commerce again this year at its 12th Annual Mayor’s Day 5K Run on Sunday, September 24. A committee is actively working over the summer to plan and expand this year’s event.
Held rain or shine, the race will start and end at Union High School on Cooke Drive, following a course certified by USA Track and Field. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with the actual race commencing at 9:00 a.m.
“This year marks the 12th anniversary of this popular community event, and we are working to make this year our best ever, as we are helping two local families,” said Chamber CEO James Masterson. “We are grateful to the Township of Union Board of Education for generously hosting this event, and we hope for great participation again this for 2022. It is always an enjoyable day for the community!”
Prizes will be awarded for various age categories, and t-shirts and gift bags will be distributed to the first 300 registrants.
Marciano Rosa is an ambitious young boy entering the fourth grade this September at Washington School in Union. He was diagnosed with T-cell leukemia back in November and recently completed frontline chemotherapy with the most severe complications from it occurring in July 2023, where he developed a severe colon infection. Once recovered, he will continue his chemotherapy treatments through March and April of 2025. Marciano is a sweet, kind-hearted, smart and funny boy who has a smile that can light up any room. As his mom recently expressed to use, “I wish this journey on no kid – and most definitely – for no parent to witness.”
To register, go online to runsignup.com, and enter Mayor’s Day 5K. Further information is available by contacting the Chamber directly at 908-688-2777, visiting unionchamber.com or emailing the Chamber at executivedirector@unionchamber.com.
Businesses wishing to become a sponsor may contact Masterson at executivedirector@unionchamber.com for a listing of the various levels of support. All sponsorships include a table at the event for businesses to highlight their companies, as well as a listing and/or logo on the 5K t-shirt.
A portion of the proceeds will go to help defray the medical expenses Camryn Dudek a seven-year-old student entering third grade at Washington School and Marciano Rosa, a nine-year old entering fourth grade at Washington School, as well. Both students are battling cancer.
Courtesy photos
