The Event
The bond between fathers and daughters should be treasured and honored and that’s exactly what Jill Waite plans to do when she hosts the 2nd annual Bruce A. Waite Miles for Meso 5K on September 22. In 2003, her father lost his battle with mesothelioma – a cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Jill hopes an annual 5K in his honor to raise money for research will honor his memory, his commitment to excellence, and his love of running, but will also draw support to help find a cure for this terrible disease. She wants to spare other families the journey her family endured.
According to Jill Waite, “With 200 runners registered for our inaugural race, we were able to send $6,250.00 to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. We had runners from all over Ohio, and as far as Denver CO, Austin TX, and Mooresville, NC.” She also added, “Runners were comprised of family members of people who also suffer with meso, former students of Dad (a retired Mansfield Senior teacher), avid runners, and those who had never done a 5k before, but worked diligently to be able to run.”
Last year’s event was a high-energy celebration. Everyone had so much fun that word quickly spread and additional family members and friends plan to travel far distances just to be part of the day. This year commemorates the 10th anniversary of Bruce’s passing, but don’t think this will be a somber affair. There will be new accomplishments, more supporters, and hard-earned medals and prizes to keep the day uplifting. The event proves to be as festive as the mother and daughter who put so much into this labor of love.
According to comments from several volunteers, Jill’s attention to detail and dedication to this cause created one of the best run 5Ks many had experienced. Others were touched by Nancy Waite (Bruce’s wife) and her amazing gift of hospitality, right down to the homemade meatloaf sandwiches for the volunteer team. Both women made volunteers feel appreciated and part of something big. Music will again pump the air as emcee Ken Bill keeps the atmosphere energized. This year local musical artist Tommy Hill even wrote a song, “The Miles” to honor Bruce. You can see the music video on the event website at www.brucewaite5K.com.
The Bruce A. Waite Miles for Meso 5k Run/Walk will be held on Sunday, September 22, 2013, at Ontario High School, 457 Shelby-Ontario Rd, Ontario, Ohio. Registration will begin at 1:00pm, with the race starting at 2:00pm. Registration is $15 before Sept.16 and $20 the day of the race. The first 200 registered get a long-sleeved shirt. Awards will be given to the top overall finishers, and for males/females in the different age groups listed on the site.
Sponsors help keep expenses low so more money goes directly to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, co-sponsor of the event. So far, this year’s key sponsors include RoadID, NexGen Fitness and Nutrition, Med Quest Health Center Inc., and many others on varying levels including door prizes. If you would like to get involved with the event, a sponsor form is available on the website under sponsors.
The Man Behind the Event
Bruce Waite taught English at Mansfield Senior from 1959-1989. He did much more than simply teach – he imparted knowledge. He did not measure success by simply marking grades in a grade book, but by exacting a change in the lives of his students. There is a scholarship fund in Mr. Waite’s name. Jill, an Ontario graduate, follows in her father’s footsteps when it comes to her love of learning and now pays tribute to his legacy through her own running and this special event.
Bruce was an avid runner, never missing a day in over 33 years. He kept a running journal, in which he logged over 76,000 miles in numerous states. In 2002, his breathing became more labored and a series of appointments and surgeries led to the diagnosis of mesothelioma. His wife
In his final days, with Nancy and daughter Jill by his side, Bruce’s runs became walks, and then his walks became just the effort to breathe. Through it all, His commitment to running was his greatest weapon against the mesothelioma.
Bruce Waite took his final breath on March 25, 2003, but his legacy continues on – through this 5K, in conjunction with Miles for Meso (www.milesformeso.org), done in his name and honor, money will be given to Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (www.marf.org) to assist further research into treatment and cure for mesothelioma.
For further information and registration, visit www.brucewaite5k.com or contact Jill Waite at info@brucewaite5k.com or 419-544-7001.
