Rock n' Run 5K celebrates Romano's dedication to community

GOSHEN — When a beloved and dynamic family patriarch lost his battle with pancreatic cancer, in 2007, a family wasn't about to let all of his values and dedication to those in need and the community die with him.

The result has been the creation of the Frank J. Romano Foundation that benefits cancer research, community charities and scholarships and is fed through events such as the upcoming Rock n' Run 5K.

Now in its fifth year, the five kilometer run has morphed into quite an event with huge posters of those who have died of cancer and those who have survived positioned along the course as part of the foundation's "Who Will You Run For Campaign."

The initial road course now tours participants through town and around the grounds of Goshen High School. It includes a wellness fair to provide participants with information about local resources to improve their health and an endurance coach offers a free running clinic after the race. There is live music, free raffles, healthy refreshments and a bounce slide for the kids.

"All of these were small ways we have tried to make the event as enjoyable as possible for all attendees," said Byers.

The marquis event is followed by a children's fun run.

The beginning
Frank J. Romano was an active member of the Goshen community for more than 30 years, most notably serving two terms as Town Supervisor, and as President of the Central Orange County Italian American Association. He also served for 23 years in the New York Police Department.

“Our dad was committed to his family and community. A man of action, he was willing to work for the greater good, often at great personal expense.” Carolyn Romano said. “We never doubted the ferocity of his love for and belief in us. He taught us, by example, to do the right thing even when it wasn’t comfortable or convenient and to help others when you can with what you have."

A year after Frank J. Romano died, Carolyn Romano approached her sisters about the idea of starting a foundation as a way to honor their father’s public service legacy and to keep his memory alive.

Everyone was in favor, and The Frank J. Romano Foundation was born in early 2009. A year into the 501(c)3 non-profit organization’s efforts, Frank’s daughter Amy Byers suggested that the Foundation organize a 5K race as one of its key fundraising and community-building strategy.

“I had seen the success of other 5K's for a cause,” Byers said. “And I knew that if we really set our minds to it, we could pull together something really powerful.”

A celebration
“The Rock & Run has become much more than a fundraiser for us. It’s our way of celebrating Frank’s life and honoring the impact he had on the world," said the Foundation's Vice President Elisha Byers.

Taking it one step further, Byers had the idea to share images and line the race course with the faces of people who have faced this terrible disease.

"It's really powerful to see the photos along the course," said Katie Maio, a senior at Kittatinny High School, in New Jersey, who comes to the race with her cross country team each year.

"It’s a reminder to everyone of what’s at stake, and how needed our efforts are,” said Elisha Byers.

Sponsors
The race sponsors include: Orange Regional Medical Center, Hudson Valley Tent Company, Price Chopper, ShopRite, Kelemen Cars, Comfort Inn and Suites-Goshen, A&F Tire, Finish Fast Cycling, Hudson Valley Awards, PrimeCare, eminjay Designs, and Bliss Healing Arts.

Another addition over the years was to have participants get sponsors. The application includes places for sponsors to donate, and Byers said participants usually ask family, friends, neighbors and coworkers to sponsor them in the race.

Volunteers
"The Rock & Run would not be possible without the help of our dedicated volunteers, many of whom live in Goshen the community we grew up in, and of which our dad was an active part," said Amy Byers.

Mike Pagliocca and his fellow members of the Orange County Italian American Association have been a huge support from the very beginning, helping on race day from setup to cleanup. They also have a great deal of student volunteers from Goshen High School’s Leo Club and National Honor Society, who pitch in to direct participants on the race course.

Kyle Lewis, a cross-country coach in Goshen, has offered insight and assistance on race management from the beginning, helping mark the course and lending equipment, and the owner of eminjay designs, in Maplewood, N.J., donates his time and talents in graphic design to create all of the signage.

Charity
The lion’s share of the proceeds from the Rock & Run support research into both cancer treatment (via The Lustgarten Foundation) and cancer prevention (via The Prevent Cancer Foundation). A portion will also go toward the yearly scholarship to a Goshen High School senior who plans a career in public service.

The Frank J. Romano Foundation's tagline is, “Be well. Do Good. Love life,” which summarizes much of Romano's philosophy.

"To be able to honor him in this way, to continue his legacy of service," Romano said, "is a small way that we express our gratitude to him.”