Cathy Fischer Memorial Walk and Run

🏃‍♀️ Benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society!

📖 Cathy's Story

Cathy's journey with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma began in Feb 1996, six years before her official diagnosis. In 1996, she raised $3200 for LLS, possibly sensing her future battle. In Nov 2011, she developed symptoms and underwent treatment at Cleveland Clinic from 2012 to 2013, managing chemo and hair loss. She never complained and continued to work full time and teaching reading to underprivileged children one day a week during her scheduled lunch. And she continued to run at least 20 to 30 miles per week.

In Dec 2013, Cathy opted for an aggressive bone cell transplant. Despite the three-week sterile procedure, she remained active, walking the halls, spreading smiles, and resumed work and her normal physical activities, which included running, hiking, water aerobics, and yoga, post-release.

2014 brought ups and downs. Although she did not receive any further chemo, she required periodic scans and remained on medication for her lymphoma. Her attitude was great and Cathy managed a trip to New Hampshire, where she hiked to the top of Mount Washington. In the fall she hiked Sedona and the Grand Canyon.

In 2018, a scan revealed aggressive lymphoma B-cells, leading to a CART T Cell procedure in Columbus for three weeks. Cathy's resilience was evident as she exercised daily, read books, and attended events during recovery.

2019 to July 2023 involved emotional roller coasters with drug trials and chemotherapy, leading to hospital stays. Cathy's unwavering faith, commitment to Mass, and plans for future activities showcased her courage. Her greatest hope was to witness her eldest granddaughter’s wedding day someday.

Despite her challenging "fight," Cathy embraced life, served others, and raised thousands of dollars for LLS to help other people. Sadly Cathy lost her fight and she symbolically transitioned from bearing her "cross" to wearing her "crown."

💬 Testimonials

• Dan F: You all did a wonderful job and had a very successful event this year. A great event honoring a great lady. Will be back again this year.
• Dave S: My sister and I participated in the Cathy Fischer Walk & Run in July. It was very well organized, we enjoyed ourselves and met a lot of nice people. We will definitely be back to participate in July, 2025!! Thank you to the organizers.
• Gary D: This 5k race which raised money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society included a course with a few small hills to challenge your efforts for a personal best. Finish line cheers and awards ceremony made for a fun morning.
• Matt P: A great run, for a great cause, to commemorate a great woman.
• Christine M: Easy registration, and a scenic and challenging course with lots of great crowd support. A perfect tribute to Cathy!

🏅 Distance

• 5K: Run/Walk - the route is challenging with some rolling hills (per Cathy’s wishes)
• 1 Mile: Run/Walk

⏱️ Timing System

• 5K: Chip Time (MyLaps BibTag)
• 1 Mile: Untimed

🕗 Start Times

• 7:30 am: Race Day Registration & Late Packet Pick Up
• 8:30 am: 5K & 1 Mile Start (Follow signs to Section 46)

📝 Registration

• 5K Run/Walk: $25 Early Bird through April 15, $30 April 16 through July 12, $35 Race Day (credit card only)
• 1 Mile Run/Walk: $20 Early Bird through April 15 ($70 Family Rate: maximum 4 members), $25 April 16 through July 12, $30 Race Day (credit card only)
• Deadline: All mailed pre-registered entries must be received by Wednesday, July 9, 2025.
• Payment: Please make checks payable to: Hermes Sports & Events

Mail entries to:
Hermes Sports and Events
2425 West 11th St., Suite #2
Cleveland, Ohio 44113

📦 Early Packet Pick Up

• Date: Friday, July 11 from 12-4 pm
• Location: The Gathering Place - West (25425 Center Ridge Rd, Westlake, OH 44145)
• Note: If you can pick up packets for friends/family, that would be a big help to keep the lines short on Race Day.

🎁 What You Get

• Commemorative towel for 5K participants
• Customized Cathy Fischer paperweight for 1 Mile participants
• Custom Be Like Cathy silicone bracelet
• B-Tag Chip Timing (5K only) • Age Group Awards • Post-Race Refreshments

🏆 Awards (5K Only)

Top male and top female finishers and the top three (3) finishers both male and female in the following age categories will receive trophies:

(14 & Under) • (15-19) • (20-24) • (25-29) • (30-34) • (35-39) • (40-44) • (45-49) • (50-54) • (55-59) • (60-64) • (65-69) • (70-74) • (75-79) • (80-84) • (85-89) • (90 & Over)

ℹ️ More Information

For more information, contact Hermes Sports & Events at 216-623-9933.

For additional details, visit the race page at Cathy Fischer Memorial Walk and Run.