Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton Foundation Celebrates a Successful 16th Annual 5K Run and 2K Health Walk
Proceeds raised benefit the hospital's award-winning Stroke Program

HAMILTON, NEW JERSEY – More than 295 runners and walkers participated in the 16th Annual 5K Run and 2K Health Walk at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (RWJ Hamilton), making it the best-attended run/walk in the hospital's history. Additionally, the event raised more than $13,500 for the hospital's Stroke Program which features a multidisciplinary acute stroke team.

John Garton, of Voorhees, NJ, was the first place finisher of the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton Foundation 5K Run held on July 12. Photo, left to right: Pasquale Carannante of Brother's Pizza on Route 33; John Garton, winner; and Gerry Brady of Sean's Landscaping, Inc., 5K Run presenting sponsor.

The acute stroke team members comprised of physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, work together to reduce the morbidity and mortality of stroke while also providing education about secondary stroke prevention to the community. The RWJ Hamilton Primary Stroke Center has received HealthGrades' Award of Excellence for the past two years. HealthGrades is the nation's leading independent healthcare ratings company.

In addition to multiple advanced trainings for the medical professionals to appropriately recognize and respond to patients who suffer a stroke, RWJ Hamilton also offers a monthly support group for stroke survivors and is planning a fall Stroke Survivor and Caregiver Conference.

"We are extremely pleased with the participation and enthusiasm demonstrated at this year's event. Through the generosity of our presenting sponsor, Sean's Landscaping, and our award and refreshment sponsors, Shop Rite and Brother's Pizza, we were able to offer the community a fun-filled event while simultaneously raising money to complement our stroke program and enhance educational opportunities for our community," said Karla Stein, vice president of the RWJ Hamilton Foundation.

JThe Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton Foundation 5K Run and 2K Health Walk on July 12 was the best-attended run/walk in the hospital's history, and rose more than $13,500 for the hospital's award-winning Stroke Program. Photo, left to right: Karla Stein, vice president, RWJ Hamilton Foundation; Rao S. Pasupuleti, MD, RWJ Hamilton section chief of Neurology; Jane Giamio of Allentown, NJ, stroke survivor; Ronald Ryder, DO, chairman, RWJ Hamilton Department of Medicine; and Gerry Brady of Sean's Landscaping, Inc., 5K Run presenting sponsor.

Prior to the start of the 5K Ronald Ryder, DO, chairman of the RWJ Hamilton Department of Medicine and section chief of cardiology addressed participants and their families about the prevalence of stroke and the importance of early recognition of the signs of stroke. Joining him was Rao S. Pasupuleti, MD, section chief of neurology at RWJ Hamilton, who was applauded for his integral role with the development hospital's stroke program. Jane Giamio a 49 year old from Allentown, New Jersey also addressed the crowd, sharing her personal story as a five-year stroke survivor. She credits her husband's quick response to her symptoms as well as the immediate treatment and follow-up care provided by the RWJ Hamilton stroke team for saving her life, and for minimizing the long-term affects of her stroke.

John Garton, of Voorhees, NJ finished first at the event on Thursday, July 12. Garton finished in 15:46 with an average pace of 5:04 per mile. Russ Curley of Titusville, NJ was second with a time of 16:17 and Michael Walker of Midland Park, NJ was third at 16:57. The top female finisher was Anne Preisig, visiting from Falmouth, MA, who completed the race in 19:04. Preisig finished 14th overall. Annick Lamar, of Hamilton, finished second in the female division with a time of 19:30, and close behind her at 19:36 was Katie Kellner, of West Windsor, in third.

Founded in 1984, the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton Foundation is a not-for-profit 501c3 organization that raises funds to support patient care services and special projects for Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (RWJ Hamilton) and The Cancer Institute of New Jersey Hamilton. RWJ Hamilton relies on contributions and monies raised by the Foundation to continually grow and support the community's healthcare needs. Led by a Board of Trustees, the Foundation depends on the generous support of private donors, corporations, family foundations and charitable trusts. An active Auxiliary and the Young Professionals Group organizes and host events that encourage community support. In addition to offering a variety of planned giving opportunities, the Foundation's signature fundraising events include a Golf Classic, Autumn Affair gala, a 2K walk/5K run, and a wine/beer social called "All in Good Taste". Recent projects that have benefited from the generous support of the Foundation include: the recent Emergency Department renovation and expansion, the four-story Lakefront Tower addition, the four contemplative "Grounds for Healing" gardens, an interfaith chapel, community education and outreach programs.

For additional information about the RWJ Hamilton Foundation, please call (609) 584-6581.

More About RWJ Hamilton
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (RWJ Hamilton) is the only New Jersey hospital to receive the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. Located in Hamilton Township, NJ, the hospital is part of the RWJ Health System and Network and is affiliated with the University of Medicine and Dentistry New Jersey-RWJ Medical School and the Cancer Institute of New Jersey.

The RWJ Hamilton Health Care Corporation serves communities within a five-county area and includes an acute care hospital, the Cancer Institute of New Jersey Hamilton, three affiliated medical groups, seven Lakeview Child Centers, and the RWJ Hamilton Center for Health & Wellness, home of a medically-based fitness center and the hospital's extensive community education program. Over 1,900 hospital employees and 650 medical staff physicians share RWJ Hamilton's passion for Excellence Through Service. For more information, visit www.rwjhamilton.org.