Comment
Print
The family of the late Kirk Wilkerson hosted the impact Throwing Bones 2022 Not-A-Sprint event August 5 and August 6.
Throwing Bones is a nonprofit organization that encourages blood cancer patients to stay healthy and active throughout treatment. Throwing Bones for a Cure, Inc., partnered with the Wilkersons and friends to continue his legacy of encouraging others, being physically active, and promoting cancer education and research.
Kirk Wilkerson was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in May of 2016 just after competing in his first marathon race. Throughout his battle with his blood cancer, Kirk continued to raise funds for cancer research by running in numerous marathons, including the Boston Marathon, and completing a fundraising trip to Mount Everest. He was undergoing chemotherapy in the summer of 2021 when he was diagnosed with COVID. Despite being vaccinated, his weakened immune system was not able to fight the virus and he died in August, 2021 at age 52.
"You all showed up big this weekend to show your love and support to us in countless ways," said Kirk's wife Cindy Wilkerson. "Kirk was remembered and money was raised to support things near and dear to him," she said.
The weekend kicked off with the Attitude and Effort-Kirk Wilkerson Memorial Golf Tournament on Friday, August 5 at Cleghorn Golf and Sports Club. There were 74 golfers in the tournament, taking home more than $1,000 in cash and prizes. A dinner and silent auction followed the golf tournament.
On Saturday a 3, 6 and 12-hour endurance run was held on the Thermal Belt Rail Trail from POPS to Spindale and return to Forest City.
"We are very pleased with the impact has made and look forward to an even more impactful event next year," said Cindy. "The final tally is still being calculated, but the event is projected to have raised over $40,000 (before expenses).
The event welcomed over 250 people who contributed as donors, volunteers, sponsors, and participants in the various events. Runners in the 3-6-12 hour endurance run came from across the United States including participants from Texas, Kentucky, and Virginia.
The winner of the 12-hour event, Kristin Herring of Virginia, ran 67 miles in less than 12 hours.
"We are thrilled that so many people showed up in numerous ways to remember Kirk Wilkerson and the values he held," Cindy said. "Kirk remained extremely active throughout his blood cancer treatments and always encouraged others to do the same. This aligns perfectly with the mission of Throwing Bones, the nonprofit with which we hosted the event," she said.
Kirk, an East Rutherford High School graduate, was passionate about the sports programs at East Rutherford, Cindy explained.
"Kirk's father, siblings, and children all have benefited from the excellent sports programs at East, and we are pleased to be able to give back a portion of the proceeds to the community that has so positively impacted the Wilkerson family," Cindy said.
