SAGAMORE HILLS, OH - The Cardinal Crew Foundation is gearing up to host an engaging trio of events: a 5K race, a summer celebration, and the Northern Ohio Pageant. This pivotal event, set to unfold at Sagamore Hills Park's Rosemary Snell Pavilion on May 5, seeks to offer a beacon of hope and tangible support to families grappling with the challenges of drug and alcohol addiction.
With the day kicking off at 8:00 a.m. for packet pick-up and registration, followed by the race start at 9:00 a.m., participants can look forward to a day filled with more than just athletic pursuit. The foundation, borne out of a deeply personal struggle faced by its founders, aims to marshal resources for education, community engagement, and scholarships dedicated to aiding those ensnared by addiction's tight grip.
Dr. Stephanie Brode, co-president and founder of the Cardinal Crew, shares a heart-wrenching backstory that fuels her commitment to the cause. "My dad struggled with addiction for over 20 years, and watching that growing up was incredibly hard," she reveals. The scarcity of affordable resources and support for her family during this tumultuous time laid the groundwork for the foundation's mission. "We didn't have the resources, the finances...to help us pay for a funeral, or to get my mom, who was also struggling with addiction, the help that she needed. So, we created the Cardinal Crew to help support families that were facing the same things that we were facing," Brode elaborates.
This year's event, building on the success of the inaugural race last year, introduces a 1-mile fun-run, expanding its embrace to include even more participants. It's a testament to the foundation's belief in the healing and unifying power of communal activities. "When I was growing up, there weren't a lot of resources...I turned to running when I was going through all this, so I wanted to show people that there are other outlets to get involved with," Dr. Brode adds.
Beyond the race, attendees can expect a vibrant array of activities and amenities designed to foster community bonds and wellness. YogaSix Macedonia will lead a pre-race stretch session, while local businesses and community members, including Orange Theory Fitness Macedonia and Suburban Lash and Beauty, will showcase what the community has to offer. A popcorn stand, raffles with enticing prizes, and fun games for kids promise a day filled with joy, support, and solidarity.
The Cardinal Crew Foundation's approach goes beyond the conventional to touch lives and offer a glimmer of hope to those battling addiction. By integrating physical activity, community engagement, and direct support into its mission, the foundation not only raises funds but also raises spirits.
"It started last year in May as the inaugural 5k race, and it is something that we are going to keep going because it was such a positive experience." Through every stride taken on the race track, the Cardinal Crew Foundation reinforces its commitment to a world where support for addiction is not a scarce commodity but a communal pledge.