If you’re going
The Riverstone Runabout 5K benefitting the family of Lisa James will begin with registration at 7 a.m. Saturday in the subdivision’s amenities area, 8680 Forest Path Drive. Race fee is $25. A silent auction will also be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday and from 7 to 10 a.m. Saturday.
A north Forsyth neighborhood will hold a benefit run for one of its residents Saturday.
Riverstone Runabout 5K Race/Walk will begin at 8 a.m. in the Riverstone Plantation subdivision amenities area.
Proceeds from the event will go to the family of Lisa James, who is battling Stage 4 melanoma cancer.
James, who was first diagnosed in September 2009, must fly back and forth to Texas each month for treatments.
"Most people don’t know, but melanoma is one of the types of cancer that doesn’t respond to chemotherapy or radiation," James said. "Georgia doesn’t offer any experimental treatments for this type of cancer, so there’s nothing for me here."
James, who is a wife and mother of two children ages 12 and 15, hopes to soon begin a new treatment program.
"It’s similar to stem cell therapy," she said. "The great thing about this treatment is there’s a high chance it could put me into remission."
Race organizer Beth Chamberlain said James’ cause was the perfect fit for the race, which the community hopes to make an annual event.
"My neighbor, Vince Tillirson, had the idea several years ago to have a 5K in our neighborhood, but that idea just kind of got put on the shelf," Chamberlain said. "But in May, we become more aware of Lisa’s expenses, so I told Vince I had the perfect reason to hold his race."
Registration begins at 7 a.m. Saturday and the fee is $25.
Those who registered online for the event in advance can pick up race packets from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday.
Chamberlain said the event will also offer a silent auction with a number of items, including horseback-riding lessons, restaurant gift certificates, art and photography sessions.
"People are welcome to come by Friday night even if they’re not participating in the race and look at the silent auction items," said Chamberlain, noting the auction would close at 10 a.m. Saturday.
About 200 racers are expected for the 5K, she said.
"We have about 185 registered so far and I’m sure we’ll get more Saturday," Chamberlain said. "We’re prepared for up to 250 runners."
James said she’s been overwhelmed by the support.
"We moved here from another county six years ago, and this community is like none other I’ve ever lived in," James said.