
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.
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:
1st Place Travis Boscia, 26, of Union
2nd Place Matthew Lubiak, 46, of South Orange
3rd Place Gerard Rokosz, 17, of Union
Women:
1st Place Akua Boakye, 37, of Linden
2nd Place Daneliz Urena, 12, of Union
3rd Place Danielle Zieser, 34, of Union
Age group winners:
Ages 1 – 13, Male:
1st Place Orlando Guzman, Jr., 11, of Union
2nd Place Todd Francis, 11, of Union
3rd Place Aiden Cross, 9, of Union
Ages 1 – 13, Female:
1st Place Katrina Duffy, 11, of Union
2nd Place Caitlin Duffy, 11, of Union
3rd Place Aubri Benaquista, 11, of New Providence
Ages 14 – 19, Male:
1st Place Deryk Ng, 17, of Union
2nd Place Jibran Absarulislam, 16, of Union
3rd Place Joseph Veliakath, 19, of Union
Ages 14 – 19, Female:
1st Place Alyssa Weeks, 16, of Union
2nd Place Felicity Winter, 15, of Springfield
3rd Place Phylicia Menendez, 16, of Union
Ages 20 – 29, Male:
1st Place Angelo Geronimo, 20, of Union
2nd Place Joshua Muller, 25, of Irvington
3rd Place Muta Mashack, 25, of Newark
Ages 20 – 29, Female:
1st Place Kayla Woolridge, 23, of Union
2nd Place Geri Kunnath, 26, of Union
3rd Place Shary Carbone, 22, of Newark
Ages 30 – 39, Male:
1st Place Vivek Kalola, 34, of Piscataway
2nd Place Shaf Q, 36, of Jersey City
3rd Place Joel Calderon, 36, of Union
Ages 30 – 39, Female:
1st Place Kalshehael Lloyd, 39, of Rahway
2nd Place Alide Gaona, 33, of Union
3rd Place Hayley Guerra, 32, of Matawan
Ages 40 – 49, Male:
1st Place Jose Hernandez, 43, of Union
2nd Place Leyland Bentham, 40, of Union
3rd Place Roman Yedokov, 47, of Chatham
Ages 40 – 49, Female:
1st Place Martha Baisch, 45, of Madison
2nd Place Emma Atanasio, 43, of Springfield
3rd Place Allison DiMarzio, 42, of Millstone Township
Ages 50 – 59, Male:
1st Place Robert Willsea, 50, of Madison
2nd Place Bill McGrath, 56, of Union
3rd Place Norberto Cobo, 50, of Union
Ages 50 – 59, Female:
1st Place Lubelia Lopes, 55, of Union
2nd Place Laura Rokosz, 54, of Union
3rd Place Marie Arnold, 52, of Union
Ages 60 – 69, Male:
1st Place Doug Hansen, 63, of Union
2nd Place Michael Albanese, 63, of Union
3rd Place Enrique Tocol, 64, of Union
Ages 60 – 69, Female:
1st Place Kim Eason, 60, of Union
2nd Place Alice Jacob, 60, of Union
Ages 70 – 99, Male:
1st Place Joseph Apuzzio, 70, of Union
2nd Place Richard VanDoran, 72, of Branchburg
3rd Place Jonathan Rod, 71, of Union