13th Annual “Run Like a Mann” 5K Run/Walk is Huge Success

The Laurens County Cancer Association (LCCA) held its 13^th annual “Run Like a Mann” 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, August 27. The event was held at the office of the Laurens County Cancer Association located at 1337 Medical Ridge Road, Clinton SC in the Laurens County Professional Park behind the PRISMA Health’s Laurens County Memorial Hospital. A One Mile Fun Run was also offered in addition to our 5K Run.

Special thanks to presenting sponsors for 2022: PRISMA Health System; Lanford Industrial Services, and Resource Electric. This year’s event brought in 75 runners and was supported by 60 individual and business sponsors. After all expenses are accounted for, LCCA estimates that the event will have raised around $32,000.

“Cancer affects everyone. If you haven’t faced cancer yourself, you probably know someone who has. Statistics tell us that an average of 400 individuals in Laurens County are diagnosed with cancer each year. Those who live in Laurens County are not only challenged by that diagnosis but are also challenged by the distance required for them to travel to seek treatment,” said Ann Casey, Executive Director. “We are here to help with that challenge and many other challenges they face. The Laurens County Cancer Association is very thankful for the community support we receive from all over Laurens County that allows us to continue doing what we do best – give hope and help.”

This event continues to be in memory of Clinton resident and martial arts teacher, Tim Mann, who died of colon cancer in 2010. At the time of Tim’s diagnosis, he and his wife, Debra DeCaria Mann, had 4 beautiful sons, Anthony, Nicholas, Michael, and Luke.  Like many young families who receive a cancer diagnosis, the Manns learned that life does go on, life still has the day to day demands, and life can be difficult. G. Ramage, Jay Peay, and Janice Long were a part of Tim’s dedicated running circle of friends and together they produced the first “Run Like a Mann 5K” in the fall of 2009 to help the Mann Family with growing financial needs, as well as initiate a basic show of loving support from the Laurens County community. This first event was a huge success and helped the Mann Family in many ways.

Tim Mann died on March 15, 2010. With the support of a wonderful doctor, many friends, and the love of his family, he fought his battle with cancer with a strong faith, dignity and integrity, with the principals he taught so many through Karate and by his daily living. We are all blessed to have known him.

The “Run Like a Mann 5K” was later scheduled and took place in 2010, and 2011 and the proceeds continued to help support the Mann family. In 2012, organizers applied for and were granted a 501 C 3 designation as a non-profit organization by the name of The Laurens County Cancer Association. At this point the dream of a Laurens County Cancer Association was born.

The 2012 Run Like a Mann 5K was promoted as the beginning of an organization that would help cancer patients in Laurens County deal with the uncertainties of cancer.

All proceeds from the run go to support the mission of the Laurens County Cancer Association which is to provide tangible support for citizens of Laurens County who are undergoing treatment for cancer.

Statistics about those receiving help from the LCCA:

• Currently the LCCA has 185 active clients of record
• There is an average of 70 clients who come for help monthly
• Between January 1 and June 30, 2022, the LCCA distributed fuel assistance to 343 cancer patients totaling $30,765
• LCCA has reimbursed 97 clients for cancer-related prescriptions they purchased in the amount of $5,735
• Nutritional support is also provided for cancer patients in the form of Ensure or Boost
• During that same time, 212 cases of nutritional support has been given out
• Medical equipment, wigs, household, and personal hygiene items are also distributed

For more information about the LCCA click HERE to visit their website.

The LCCA office is open on Tuesday and Thursday of each week, seeing cancer patients from 10 am–12 noon.  Afternoon appointments can be made by calling the office (864 358-7373).