DeSales University in Center Valley will be the setting Oct. 21 for a 5K run with two distinctions: Runners are invited to wear costumes in the Halloween spirit, and the event will support the Community Outreach Benefit, or COB, which helps families facing crushing medical expenses.
The “COBScares 5K Costume Run” will include events for walkers and children, and is a project of the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity at DeSales.
COB is a block party held each July at St. John’s UCC in Coopersburg. Proceeds from the 5K will help this year’s three beneficiaries: Emily Armstrong of Richland Township, Donna DeSautels of Center Valley and Jeanine Greco of Quakertown.
Runners should register online by Oct. 6 through a link on the cobcares.org website or at www.active.com. Early registrants will get a long-sleeve T-shirt and pay a lower fee. Day-of-race sign-ups also will be available at the McShea Student Center beginning at 8:30 a.m. The kids fun run of 250 yards will start at 9:45 a.m. Runners and walkers will start at 10 a.m.
This is the second year for the Alpha Phi Omega run at DeSales and the 16th year for the COB. Over the years, COB has raised about $800,000 for more than 50 local families. This year, they include Emily Armstrong, 18, who is confined to her bed and on life-support, living with her mother, Lisa, and four sisters. Last year, the family’s home in Springfield Township burned to the ground. Earlier this year, Lisa was diagnosed with breast cancer, and is undergoing treatment while helping to care for Emily.
Donna DeSautels worked in Coopersburg and Quakertown as a server and suffered a cerebral aneurysm in 2015. Trying to recover at home, she fell and suffered a severe head injury, and nearly died. She continues to recover at home and needs extensive care and rehabilitation.
Jeanine Greco, 39, is a mother of three who suffers from a severe case of multiple sclerosis. She is confined to a bed at home near Quakertown, where she lives with her mother, husband and children.
More information about the COBScares 5K is available from race director Nancy Carr via email (co*********@gm***.com) or by calling 484-201-3405.
