By Bonnie Adams, Government Editor
Shrewsbury – Over 280 runners participated in the Second Annual Michael McCaffrey Hope Challenge 5k, which was held at the Sherwood Middle School, Saturday March 10. McCaffrey, who was a former Captain in the U.S. Navy, and a longtime Sutton resident, died of bladder cancer in 2008 at the age of 52.
Steve Treacy, who helped to organize the race with McCaffrey's family, spoke about his friend before the race.
“Mike and I served in the Navy together in Naples, Italy and as part of “Operation Iraqi Freedom,”” he said. “His initials M.M. described him perfectly – he was just like the candy, hard on the outside, sweet on the inside.”
“We are overwhelmed at the response and the enthusiasm for this event,” Treacy added. “Last year we had hoped to have 40 racers; we had 180 and raised about $10,000. This year we have about 280. It's a real grassroots effort but we are grateful for everyone's support.”
Proceeds from the race go to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute benefiting the Claudia Adams Barr Program for Innovative Basic Cancer Research. For more information go to http://teammccaffrey5k.org/.
