Community Corner

Pine-Richland Football Team, Patients Participate in St. Barnabas Run

The Pine-Richland football team pushed patients in wheelchairs as part of the St. Barnabas 5k.

Four patients from the St. Barnabas Health System's nursing and assisted living home participated along with 1,038 runners in a 5k to benefit the center's free care fund.

One of the participants, Donnie Hersh, has been with St. Barnabas for 33 years and benefits from the free care fund which helps patients receive free care in the nursing and assisted living home.

"They had a great time. They were thrilled to be there," said Shelli Sommariva, the marketing and communications manager for St. Barnabas. "It was a very special part of the day."

The patients were pushed by members of the Pine-Richland football team as part of a community service project. 

"We're out here running, young and old," Anthony Savannah, the race director, announced through a megaphone during the race. 

Everyone from moms pushing babies in strollers to runners 89 years and older raced through the St. Barnabas campus. The number of registered runners exceeded the goal of organizers.

"It's a great opportunity for everyone to come together," Sommariva said.  

Upcoming events for St. Barnabas include a fashion gala and luncheon October 19th in the Kean Theater located on its campus.

Around the holiday season, the center provides a Presents for Patients program to pair nursing and assisted living patients with an "adopted" family during the holidays. "Adopted" families visit the patient and surprise them with holiday gifts. 
 
"It brings a lot of smiles to people in the nursing home," Sommariva said.   



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