Support the fight against prostate cancer
 The idea for Run for Dad started after my father, Joseph K. Casey passed away in April 1996 from prostate cancer. He had been diagnosed with the disease only three short years earlier at the age of 58. Without any routine prostate cancer screenings and unaware of its early signs, he was diagnosed at a point in time when it was too late to do anything, but to control his pain.
While struggling with my father’s passing, I have found ways to deal with my loss by giving back to the communities in which I live. I believe that if you as an individual have had or have been affected by cancer, then you can make a difference in small ways by helping others deal with their diagnosis, or better yet prevent that diagnosis from becoming a death sentence.
Initially Run for Dad was a 5K Run, Fitness Walk, and Kids Fun Run, in Loudonville, NY. During the four years that we had the race, we raised $50,000 for the American Cancer Society in the Capital District. I have also developed other events, such as a wine tasting in Syracuse, NY, Yankee Candle fundraising parties, and as a group we have volunteered at the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory stuffing bears and boxes for a day.
When I decided to run the inaugural Lake Placid Marathon, it was because I wanted to do something in my hometown and continue to raise funds and increase awareness about prostate cancer. A simple e-mail to friends, family and very supportive sponsors, drummed up a lot of support for the cause, TEAM “Run for Dad” was born with 60 participants that first year and raised a total of $17,000. We have participated at the Lake Placid Marathon, ˝ Marathon and 4-person relay for three years.
This year, 2007, our combined efforts for this cause surpassed $100,000 for the American Cancer Society. All monies raised have always remained in the local communities. The funds are used for various things such as research, prostate cancer support group programs, early detection and continued awareness events.
 Prostate cancer is not openly discussed among families causing a lack of awareness with potentially devastating consequences. It has always been my goal in developing these events to educate people about this illness, so as to protect the men in all our lives. I always encourage men to get screened early, and I feel the American Cancer Society’s Man2Man group is a wonderful resource for men and their wives pre and post diagnosis. Knowing that the money we raised has been useful to this program is very satisfying.
Lisa resides in Clifton Park, NY with her husband of one year, Steve and their new baby girl, Alexa Elizabeth. In addition to planning many varied Run for Dad events Lisa is an MRI and CT Technologist with Adirondack Diagnostic Imaging and Saratoga Hospital. She is an avid hiker, having ascended all 46 High Peaks in the Adirondack Region.
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Run For Dad | 77 Rolling Brook Drive | Clifton Park, NY 12065
Phone: 1-866-RUN-4DAD (1-866-786-4323) | E-Mail:
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