Council approves Breast Cancer Run

The Woodstock City Council tonight approved the request for a 5K run to be sponsored by the Family Health Partnership Clinic. The Care 4 Breast Cancer 5K Walk/Run will be held Sunday, October 24th, at Woodstock North High School and Merryman Fields.

Representatives of the Clinic were present to pitch the Council on the run and its financial importance to the Clinic. Here are just a few facts about the Clinic:

Established 14 years ago.
Moved to Woodstock for 10 years.
Staff of 34 volunteer physicians.
Serving the uninsured and underinsured.
40,000 uninsured in the County.
30% of patients are in Woodstock.
Demand is up, due to job losses.
No government grants.
Served 500-1,000 in 1st year (1996); served 7,500 last year.
Lippold Park in Crystal Lake now too small to handle this race.
Want to hold it in Woodstock, since the Clinic is here.
District 200 is supportive.
Fire and Police are working out safety issues with the Clinic's race staff.
Race streets will be closed only for race duration; one hour or less.
"Rolling closures" will reduce traffic problems.
Carpooling to race location will be encouraged.

The race event draws many runners and spectators. Enthusiasm could create benefits for the community and businesses throughout Woodstock.

Thanks to the City Council for a unanimous vote, 5-0, of those present.