Thousands of dollars have been raised for Berrien County Cancer Service thanks to a Saturday pub run held in Benton Harbor and St. Joseph. More than 400 registered for the event organized by WSJM’s Denise Bohn, a cancer patient advocate and reporter who was murdered this month. The run kicked off with a packed house at Babe’s Lounge in Benton Harbor as Denise was honored and participants had a drink or two. Volunteer Katie Hess said she was there both for the cause and for Denise.
“We really miss her,” Hess told WSJM. “This was what she was passionate about, and passionate about doing. She would have been completely involved, talking to everybody today and wearing a pink tutu and just so excited to see such a huge turnout.”
The runners were decked out in t-shirts remembering Denise, and everything began with a toast as all were reminded to be “Denise Strong.” Berrien County Cancer Service’s Renee Reid Smith says they thought about cancelling the event, but knew Denise would have wanted it to go on.
“This was a very important event to her, to give back to local cancer patients,” Smith said. “Berrien County Cancer Service is one of those recipients of her legacy of love.”
Denise Bohn had organized the 5K pub run for Berrien County Cancer Service since its inception. Last year, it raised more than $11,000, and this year’s total was expected to be higher. Runner Leanna Sysak said she and her husband have taken part in the event to support Berrien County Cancer Service for the past 4 years.
“We have several family members that we’re running for today, and it’s a great cause and it’s a lot of good fun,” Sysak said.
Sysak told us the event seems to grow year by year. Despite Saturday’s rain, the runners, and some bicyclists, left Babe’s Lounge to hit up 221 Main, the Buck, On the River Tavern, and River’s Edge Bar & Grill. They then planned to head back to Babe’s at the end of the day for food, raffles, and perhaps more drinks.
