A glorious day dawned on Sept. 16, warm and sunny, the perfect weather for a 5K race in the little hamlet of Manhasset. As families gathered to pick up their numbers and put on freshly minted T-shirts with Don Scott emblazoned on the front of the shirt identifying runners who came to support the Don Scott Foundation eight annual run fight against colon cancer.
Don Scott was a biology teacher, track coach, and a beloved leader at Manhasset High School for 42 years. On Nov. 4, 2010, he lost his three month battle with colon cancer. The Don Scott Memorial Foundation was founded to make a difference in the fight against colon cancer. The foundation is dedicated to reducing colon cancer instances throughout the community through increasing awareness and advocating preventative measures. The foundation also supports a student scholarship at Manhasset High School.
Charlie Cardillo, the retired superintendent of Manhasset schools was on hand with his wife Debbie to run in the race. The Cardillos had been living in Manhasset after a devastating fire destroyed their house in Happauge. They had been rebuilding their residence and now have finally been able to move back in much to their delight. Several alumni and the track team were entered to run the race.
The Fitzsimmons family was on hand representing three generations. Michael Fitzsimmons, age 54, ran Manhasset track on behalf of his former coach Don Scott, returned with sons Teddy, age 16, and Christian, age 14, to run in the race. Kyle Fitzsimmons, age 22, made sure she was part of the group.
As the runners gathered at the starting line, a heartfelt greeting and special speech was given by Don Scott Jr. spoke to the runners about getting screened for colon cancer, the cause of his father’s early death, and advised the youth running the race to tell their parents to be proactive and get tested as well.
The runners were off and 17 minutes and 20 seconds later Steven Bourquet was the first runner to pass through the finish line. For more results visit www.donscott5K/itsyourrace.com.
