Pastor Russo’s Annual 5K Run to benefit Terri Sietmann of Hamlin, currently battling inflammatory breast cancer, is to be held Saturday, September 1 at Sans Souci Park off County Line Road in Clarkson (Clarkson Boat Launch). Terri grew up in Hamlin and she and her husband, Rick, have lived on Redman Road for the past 28 years. They have been active members of Walker Bible Baptist Church in Hamlin for all of that time, and have participated in community events such as crafts and woodworking at the Hamlin Town Hall. Rick is also a former volunteer fireman for Hamlin Fire Department. They have seven children, Ryan, 33, Rick, 31, Roy, 30 – a missionary in Mexico, Lee, 22, Seth, 21, Matthew, 18 and Savannah, 14; as well as 10 grandchildren.
On March 20, 2008 Terri received her first diagnosis. It was her 49th birthday, and when her daughter asked her what she planned on checking off her “bucket list,” Terri said she wanted to run a marathon. She never dreamed that the marathon chosen for her was inflammatory breast cancer. Now, after a double mastectomy and four years of chemotherapy, radiation, and more chemotherapy, Terri is currently traveling to and from Boston for a trial program at Dana Farber Research Center. When asked what cancer has taught her, Terri responded: “Cancer has taught me that it cannot outdo God, because God is bigger than cancer. Each day is determined by God and God alone, and we should never take life for granted. God can use anything to bring you to a place where you need Him, or where He needs you to be.”
Registration for the race begins at 8:30 a.m. at Sans Souci Park Saturday, September 1. 5K Run begins at 9 a.m. It costs $15 to participate, and all proceeds will benefit Terri Sietmann. Free T-shirt to first 100 participants. To donate to help Terri and her family continue her fight this battle, contact Rhonda at (585) 520-4697.
