11th Hour Racing's Leadership Team
"We Run For Those Who Cannot..."
 | ||
The 11th Hour Racing team just before participating in the 2017 Love Run Half-Marathon.
By Nicholas Malfitano
With both a recent transition and growth in the 11th Hour Racing organization, we wanted to take this opportunity to formally introduce the public to our leadership team. Acting as the central nexus of the group, each individual on the leadership team plays an integral role in achieving the collective core mission of 11th Hour Racing: To support critical patients by reducing their financial burden, so they may concentrate on fighting their illness and spending time with their loved ones.
In their own words, here are the stories behind the people on the leadership team. Read on to learn how they came to the sport of running, how they were introduced to 11th Hour Racing and their thoughts on participating in the group's special chosen cause.
Regina Hastings
President
 A high school English teacher and writer, Regina Hastings joined 11th Hour Racing's team during the summer of 2016. Having just received a breast cancer diagnosis, she channeled her energy during the treatment process into teaching yoga before the Saturday morning bridge runs and organizing fundraising events. In Spring 2017, Regina moved into the role of President of the organization. Loving the support and camaraderie of the group, she is putting energy into developing the junior running team, as well as connecting with patients and survivors who seek wellness outlets to handle health issues. When you ask about her involvement, she'll easily reply: "11th Hour Racing's ability to connect runners from across so many areas to run extra miles for those in need is truly incredible. It's a true testament to the generosity of spirit found within this awesome community." Mary Wierzbicki
Development Manager
I started running intermittently after my divorce 5 years ago. Then, about 4 years ago, a friend of my brother's completed her first half-marathon as she finished chemo. So I figured if she can do that, I needed to start appreciating my healthy body and get moving. I think I've completed 7 half-marathons to date (1 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada) and recently, my first Broad Street Run.
I met Regina last summer and wanted to get involved in something bigger than me, with a purpose to help others...again, because I am healthy, I should do more to help those who are not as fortunate. She asked me to be a link between fundraisers and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital personnel running the website, and here we are. I have 2 teenagers and a dog, lol.
Mary McBride
Social Media Manager 
My name is Mary, but my whole family and most of my close friends call me "MC". I have lived in Philadelphia my entire life. I LOVE this city. I went to school for chemistry at Temple University (Go Owls!) and work for the Philadelphia Police Department, supervising the Forensic Drug Chemistry unit. I am the very proud mother of a little diva named Lorelei; she is the light of my life.
I started running in 2004 or 2005, kind of on a dare. I had been working out consistently since 2002 or so, and managed to shed 40 pounds of college weight. A co-worker, who was a runner, challenged me to get on a treadmill at the gym that night. I did, and ran 3 miles. I spent a good while running on the treadmill before finally venturing outside, and boy, am I glad I did! Hitting the pavement allowed me to connect with other runners, nature and myself. I've made a ton of friends and most importantly, met my boyfriend, Keith, through running. The running community is one of the most dedicated and supportive communities out there. Enter 11th Hour Racing. I met Mike Rowe at a Yards Bridge Run and learned about 11th Hour. I attended some fundraisers and donated money to my friends doing the #WinterSelfieChallenge; but, it wasn't until Regina reached out to me to ask if I was interested in managing social media for the team that I really became involved on a regular basis. The offer came at a time in my life when I really didn't have any extra time, but I couldn't pass up the chance to be involved with such a wonderful group. And, honestly, those of you who know me know that it's not a stretch for me to be posting about running on social media daily already! I am proud to be on the 11th Hour Racing Leadership Team!
Karen Werme
Patient Services Manager
Hi! My name is Karen Werme and I'm a single mom to a 10 year-old daughter, a marathon runner and a volunteer for multiple organizations. I'm also a business owner, I own multiple child care centers in Old City, Philadelphia. People often ask me how I got into that business, it's what I always wanted to do. Literally, in my eighth grade yearbook next to my graduating photo, I wrote: "I want to own a daycare when I grow up." One of my favorite quotes is, "She believed she could, so she did", and I try to live my life by that on a daily basis.
Chalie Craige
Development Advisor 
Chalie has been in the non-profit/volunteer world for quite some time. He was a Board Member and eventual President of the Council Rock South Ice Hockey Program and Current President of the Danny Craige Foundation, which was established to assist children reach their educational goals. Also a Board Member of the Philadelphia Citizens Crime Commission, where he received the "Award Of Merit" in 2014 for his assistance in local crime solving. He is also a member of The DVIC Round Table (a Law Enforcement Information Sharing Community), Chairman of the United Way at his place of employment, Co-Chair of the "Adopt-A-School" program at Waring Elementary School and Board Member of the "Friends Of Waring" community group. He has also assisted other non-profits get their start, such as "Lauren's Angels", "The Ryan Lesher Foundation", "The Mary Barb Bell Foundation" and "David's New Day" by lending guidance, assistance and getting them off the ground. When not running, he is the Director of Asset Protection and Security for Parkway Corporation, covering 90 locations in 2 countries. Chalie is a product of St. Martin of Tours, Cardinal Dougherty and LaSalle College (yes, "College", that dates him :-).
Chalie started running just 18 months ago, after sponsoring a friend's charity. His blazing speed of 32 minutes on his first 5K nearly ended his running career...he tried a few more and now consistently runs 23:15 or so 5K's, and has completed 4 half-marathons. He came to 11th Hour Racing last year, and will assist in events and consult on fundraising ideas. When 11th Hour needs something, his general response is, "I gotta guy", and that generally turns out to be accurate. Chalie's personal goal this year is to run 1,000 miles.
Nick Piscitelli
Team Manager
I started running faithfully in March 2015. I was overweight and my health was not where I wanted it to be. It was very difficult at first, but I had support. I would run a mile, and feel like I ran 10. But with each day/week/month, I got better, and I started to absolutely love it.
I then found all the running clubs, and 11th Hour Racing in particular was one I gravitated to. Just being able to help cancer patients in need that are going through some really difficult times was very rewarding. I continue to help where I can, and will do so for as long as I can. "We run for those who cannot."
Kevin Mulvey
Team Manager
Born and raised in Northeast Philly. I was an athlete in high school, but after that, I proceeded to gain weight, year after year, until I was close to 300 lbs. In 2012, I made a decision to change my life. I had two kids under 3 years old at home and wanted to set a good example. I quit all my unhealthy habits, started eating right and signed up for a 5K. At this point, I couldn't even run a quarter-mile. As the weight started to come off, the distances got longer. In 2013, I lost 60 lbs. and ran my first 5K, 5-miler, 10K, and half-marathon within 9 months. From that point on, I was hooked. For the next 2 years, I completed several more halfs and finally decided to commit to a full marathon. In 2015, I completed my first full marathon with my kids waiting for me at the finish line. This was a true life-changing experience. Throughout this time, I also took up triathlons as a sport, and competed in several over the last few years with friends. In 2016, myself and two other friends decided to start our own triathlon team, so we could race together and mentor athletes who were interested in getting involved in the sport. We formed the "NE Philly Triathlon Team."
Around the same time, I was introduced to Mike Rowe and we became friends through the running community. He introduced me to 11th Hour Racing and I got involved in several of their charity functions. His passion for the cause was contagious, and we started discussing ways that we could partner together to expand 11th Hour's reach throughout the running and triathlon community.
Nicholas Malfitano
Team Manager & Writer 
I began running in January 2013, upon my move from my hometown of Toms River, New Jersey to my then-new residence of Salem, Massachusetts. After my time in Massachusetts came to an end, my commitment to running did not and I continued to lace up the sneakers both for fun in my free time and for occasional races. However, I took my interest in and devotion to running to another level when I moved here to Philadelphia in September 2014. For the following two years, I gradually immersed myself in Philadelphia's running community and found myself a part of a family: One not connected by blood, but by friendship and common purpose. I knew I had found where I belonged. In that period of time, one of the runners I met was Mike Rowe, the founder of an organization called 11th Hour Racing.
In September 2016, Mike privately contacted me and asked me to consider taking on the role of 11th Hour Racing's Writer, specifically taking over content production for the organization's online blog titled "Philadelphia's Champions". The blog showcases local warriors who are battling cancer, those who have defeated cancer and 11th Hour's allies who assist in fulfilling the group's mission. I was both honored by the request and somewhat confused, as I didn't remember telling Mike about my professional career in our conversations. At that point in time, I was a working journalist with 10 years of experience — and I can only infer Mike had seen a sample of my work before offering me the Writer position. But beyond that, a more personal reason led me to accept the role: Cancer has deeply affected my family. I've lost both of my grandfathers and one of my uncles to the disease, in addition to extended family members and friends, and have a godmother who survived two rounds with breast cancer. Having the opportunity to use my talents to showcase those fighting cancer and those assisting them in that fight? It may have been the easiest answer of my life: A resounding "Yes". Since that time, it has been my honor to participate in assisting 11th Hour's cause and I hope to have the opportunity to do so for years to come.
Matt Hastings
Team Manager
I have been married for 27 years to my wonderful wife, Lori. I have 3 great kids: Joe, 25; Emma, 23; and Jenna, 20. My job, when I am not running, is I buy houses and fix them up to rent or sell. I have been into running for most of my life. For the last 16 years, I have gotten really serious about running. I have run in most of the popular races in the Philly area, and I have done some traveling to do marathons. I have completed 7 marathons, with one of them being Boston.
Regina and Lori had both talked to me about running with this group that ran the Ben Franklin Bridge every Saturday. The first event I attended was a fundraiser at Donna's Bar, and I could not believe how many people showed up and the passion they had for this cause. Mike Rowe had said he wanted to start doing work on some homes of the patients at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, and wanted to know if I could help out. We partnered with Wells Fargo to do this house in South Philly with about 25 people. From that point on, I was hooked, and saw the great impact that 11th Hour Racing could have on the community. Running and helping out cancer patients: What could be better?
Fred Druding — Team Advisor
Julie Sierra — Team Advisor
11th Hour exists because no family should endure the added burden of financial hardship while they are fighting cancer. We seek to lessen or even eliminate these burdens, so patients may focus on recovery, and their families on spending time with their loved ones.
|
No comments:
Post a Comment