On Saturday, August 12, Daniel’s Race will be held at Churchville-Chili Middle School in remembrance of Daniel Myslivecek. The 5K race was first organized by Daniel’s friend in 2006 as an Eagle Scout project to help cover medical costs associated with his cancer treatment. Daniel ran in that race, despite being in the middle of a series of treatments, before losing his two-year battle with melanoma a few months later at the age of 16.
“Hosting the Daniel’s Race each year helps us to remember, reconnect, and reflect on running the race-of-life the way Daniel did,” said Daniel’s parents, Tammie and Dean Myslivecek, in a reflection on We Love and Lead.
“My favorite memory of Daniel is going to the castles in Gunnison, Colorado, and catching some of the most magnificent brown trout and brook trout you have ever seen,” said Dean. “Tammie’s favorite memory is watching him play soccer with a smile on his face and a look of determination right up until the very end.”
While trying out for the Churchville-Chili High School freshman soccer team, Daniel decided to drop out on his own. He went up to Coach John Mahoney to tell him in person, but Mahoney wouldn’t let him quit. Instead, Daniel made the team because he was man enough to speak to the coach on his own. “To this day, each fall, John Mahoney reads a description of the player that Daniel was and asks the boys to choose someone to wear Daniel’s number (#3) for the year,” said Tammi and Dean in the We Love and Lead reflection.
Since that first event, Daniel’s Race continues to grow, averaging between 200 and 400 participants and 100 volunteers. It has also helped multiple families – both through national organizations and in our local community.
“We want to honor Daniel and continue his legacy within our community,” said Dean.
Each year, the race honors Daniel’s love of small children by awarding a $1,000 scholarship to a Churchville-Chili High School student who will be actively seeking a career involving children. Beyond that, the race helps support a local family who has a child dealing with a life-threatening illness.
“The local families that we have supported over the years always involves a child with severe medical and financial needs,” said Dean. “We enjoy supporting other families that shared the same thing that we went through.”
Part of this year’s proceeds will go to the Hoffman family – parents Edmaris and Matt, and son Nataniel. Since his birth in March 2022, Nataniel has faced significant health complications. He underwent multiple surgeries and procedures within the first two months of his life and spent nearly 10 months in a hospital in New York City. Baby Nataniel requires 24-hour nursing care and has a long, challenging road ahead of him, facing at least one more major surgery. Race proceeds and other donations will help alleviate the unexpected financial pressures the Hoffman family faces.
“The race was created to provide financial assistance for our family when we were in need,” said Dean. “We now know that other families in our local area have the same need, so we’re paying it forward.”
Any remaining proceeds after supporting the family will go to the Samaritan’s Medical Fund at Golisano Children’s Hospital to help additional families. This fund assists in paying for treatment or covering the equipment that allows children to recuperate at home.
In an interview on Good Day Rochester, Daniel’s sister and race organizer, AJ, spoke of the race’s longevity. “None of us thought it’d go more than a couple of years,” she said. “It’s been pretty amazing to see how even the Daniel’s committee has grown over these past 18 years and has started handing responsibilities down to keep this going.”
“I just retired from teaching after 31 years and my children are taking over the race. We will do it for as long as they are capable,” said Dean.
Daniel’s Race is a family friendly event on a USATF-certified course. Everyone is welcome and invited to participate. “People can come and walk with their strollers or their dogs and enjoy the fellowship of people doing good things for a good cause,” explained Dean. “Our race really tries to support melanoma prevention and education.”
Individual prizes will be given out to winners across age divisions and cash prizes will be awarded to the overall winner, men and women.
To register for Daniel’s Race, become a sponsor or donate, visit http://www.daniels5k.com.
Provided photos
