Scenes from Union's Mayor's Day 5K

UNION, NJ – More than 275 runners and walkers took to the track Sunday morning for the Mayor’s Day 5k and Kid’s Run event, sponsored by Union’s Chamber of Commerce.

A portion of the proceeds of the event are earmarked to help defray the medical expenses of a local family, the Lacerda’s, who experienced a major trauma when Mike Lacerda, husband and father, suffered an aneurysm followed by three strokes in May, 2016.

Michael had immediate surgery and spent two days on life support.  He spent 41 days in the Neuro ICU.  He was transferred to the Kessler Rehabilitation Center in West Orange where he spent another 35 days, until his rehabilitation benefits were exhausted.

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According to Chrissy, Michael has short term memory loss, balance and coordination issues.  He can walk slowly, but does not have a lot of endurance.  He has cognitive and memory deficits.  He cannot work.  He cannot drive.  He lost hearing in his right ear.  “But, he has the best attitude around,” says Chrissy.

“The Township of Union has been absolutely wonderful to my family,” said Chrisie Lacerda.  “We really appreciate everyone coming out today.”

“A township family will be benefitting from today’s event,” said Union Mayor Suzette Cavadas.  “I’m wearing the ‘Team Mike’ shirt for Mike Lacerda today.  Everyone here is doing a great thing today – giving back to a family here in town.”

Chamber of Commerce Executive Director James Masterson said the event keeps growing every year.  "Last year we had 57 sponsors," he said.  "This year we have 72.  We are so happy to run this event and to help a very deserving family."

“It’s great to be out here again,” said Deputy Mayor Joseph Florio.  “It’s a little warm this morning, but it’s a great crowd and a great charity for a family that needs some help.”

Overall winners of the 5K event:

Men: 

1^st Place           Travis Boscia, 26, of Union

2^nd Place          Matthew Lubiak, 46, of South Orange

3^rd Place          Gerard Rokosz, 17, of Union

Women:

1^st Place           Akua Boakye, 37, of Linden

2^nd Place          Daneliz Urena, 12, of Union

3^rd Place          Danielle Zieser, 34, of Union

Age group winners:

Ages 1 – 13, Male:

1^st Place           Orlando Guzman, Jr., 11, of Union

2^nd Place          Todd Francis, 11, of Union

3^rd Place          Aiden Cross, 9, of Union

Ages 1 – 13, Female:

1^st Place           Katrina Duffy, 11, of Union

2^nd Place          Caitlin Duffy, 11, of Union

3^rd Place          Aubri Benaquista, 11, of New Providence

Ages 14 – 19, Male:

1^st Place           Deryk Ng, 17, of Union

2^nd Place          Jibran Absarulislam, 16, of Union

3^rd Place          Joseph Veliakath, 19, of Union

Ages 14 – 19, Female:

1^st Place           Alyssa Weeks, 16, of Union

2^nd Place          Felicity Winter, 15, of Springfield

3^rd Place          Phylicia Menendez, 16, of Union

Ages 20 – 29, Male:

1^st Place           Angelo Geronimo, 20, of Union

2^nd Place          Joshua Muller, 25, of Irvington

3^rd Place          Muta Mashack, 25, of Newark

Ages 20 – 29, Female:

1^st Place           Kayla Woolridge, 23, of Union

2^nd Place          Geri Kunnath, 26, of Union

3^rd Place          Shary Carbone, 22, of Newark

Ages 30 – 39, Male:

1^st Place           Vivek Kalola, 34, of Piscataway

2^nd Place          Shaf Q, 36, of Jersey City

3^rd Place          Joel Calderon, 36, of Union

Ages 30 – 39, Female:

1^st Place           Kalshehael Lloyd, 39, of Rahway

2^nd Place          Alide Gaona, 33, of Union

3^rd Place          Hayley Guerra, 32, of Matawan

Ages 40 – 49, Male:

1^st Place           Jose Hernandez, 43, of Union

2^nd Place          Leyland Bentham, 40, of Union

3^rd Place          Roman Yedokov, 47, of Chatham

Ages 40 – 49, Female:

1^st Place           Martha Baisch, 45, of Madison

2^nd Place          Emma Atanasio, 43, of Springfield

3^rd Place          Allison DiMarzio, 42, of Millstone Township

Ages 50 – 59, Male:

1^st Place           Robert Willsea, 50, of Madison

2^nd Place          Bill McGrath, 56, of Union

3^rd Place          Norberto Cobo, 50, of Union

Ages 50 – 59, Female:

1^st Place           Lubelia Lopes, 55, of Union

2^nd Place          Laura Rokosz, 54, of Union

3^rd Place          Marie Arnold, 52, of Union

Ages 60 – 69, Male:

1^st Place           Doug Hansen, 63, of Union

2^nd Place          Michael Albanese, 63, of Union

3^rd Place          Enrique Tocol, 64, of Union

Ages 60 – 69, Female:

1^st Place           Kim Eason, 60, of Union

2^nd Place          Alice Jacob, 60, of Union

Ages 70 – 99, Male:

1^st Place           Joseph Apuzzio, 70, of Union

2^nd Place          Richard VanDoran, 72, of Branchburg

3^rd Place          Jonathan Rod, 71, of Union