Participants Gather in Support of the Thank You Mom Foundation

STILLWATER, NJ – Over 200 attendees ran or walked in the fifth annual Debbie Ann 5K on Sunday, April 12 at Swartswood State Park.

“Thank you for your heartfelt support over the last five years,” Kathy Modrow told the runners and walkers as they were about to begin the course, “and we are sure that Debbie is smiling down on us.”

The run is in its fifth year in memory of Debbie Ann Modrow-Snook, the organization’s heroic mother, who perished in 2004 at Culver Lake as he son fell into the lake’s icy waters. She saved her child’s life and made an ultimate sacrifice that is recognized each year with the run, and continues with the gifts that the non-profit Thank You Mom (T.Y.M.) Foundation raises annually. According to its website, Thank You Mom has raised $14,000, which it distributes to local families and organizations.

The event t-shirt. Photo by Jennifer Jean Miller.

Groups that have benefitted have included: American Red Cross Heroes Campaign, Project Self-Sufficiency, Healing for Haley, Pajama Program, Kari’s Kids and Owie’s Angels. Others who have benefitted have included: Healing for Haley, financial help for Alexa, financial help for a lung transplant recipient named Donna, financial assistance for a child named Dominic undergoing cancer treatments, and towards the scholarship in Christian Coperman’s memory.

Attendees enjoying the pavilion at Swartswood State Park. Photo by Jennifer Jean Miller.

Runners and walkers make their way through Swartswood State Park. Photo by Jennifer Jean Miller.

Runners and walkers were in for a treat at this year’s event, with balmy temperatures and sunny skies. Many walkers also brought along their favorite four-legged friends for a trot around the course, which is through the scenic Swartswood State Park.

This year’s overall winner was Dylan Snook, who came in with a time of 18:51.

The first runners come through including Dylan Snook (center), who took first place. Photo by Jennifer Jean Miller.

At the conclusion of the 5K, all attendees enjoyed a barbecue with grilled fare, as well as pizza.

Click here, here and here for a complete list of race times.

Click here for the foundation’s website.

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