Community Unity Run, Walk Helps Wunder Scholarship

SWAINTON — The Community Unity 5-K and 1.5-M walk, sponsored by Middle Township Taxpayers Association and South Jersey Triathlon Club, attracted over 100 to Cape May County Park, Sat., May 21.
According to Barbara Cresse, association president, there were 89 runners and about 25 who walked. Collectively they helped raise scholarship funds for Robbie Wunder, who suffered an injury while swimming. He sat near the stage in his motorized wheelchair as awards were given.
Assisting with presentation of race awards were young cancer patients Macey Tilsner, to the top three female runners, and Jay DeVico, to the to three male runners.
Middle Township Police Chief Chris Leusner briefly addressed the gathering. He noted his pride in being a member of a community that cares for those who have suffered losses and been stricken by illnesses. He lauded those who “act on good intentions” for the memory and honor of community members.
Master of ceremonies John Lynch kept a smile on everyone’s face joking with Tilsner and DeVico. He noted that Tilsner was sporting two brightly colored ankle casts, the result of chemotherapy. Were they her favorite colors?, he asked. Not really, she replied with a smile.
Earlier, Cresse asked DeVico what it is like when the community comes out to an event, such as the race, to support someone like himself, he said, “It makes me feel warm inside.”
Cresse said her daughter, Nicole, Middle Township High School’s first Yale University graduate, suffered from a form of cancer. Thus, she knew from her own experience the value of having someone close to lend support and friendship in times of illness and loss.
She cited community members, Pat Anderson, Caryn Rixey, Roger Tozer, Steve Ginyard, Scott Lozier and Nadine Mims, who were honored at the event, whose sons were killed in the prime of their young lives.
Those were Curtis Davis, Kevin Lamb, Matthew Tozer, Craig Lozier, Markal Ginyard and Ben Mims.