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APR 15 – 3RD ANNUAL DOCTOR GEORGE 5K AND FUN RUN
Benefitting: Esophageal Cancer Education Foundation
Time: 7:00 am – Check in/Registration begins
8:00 am – 5K Starts
9:00 am – Fun Run Begins
Cost: Super Early Bird – $18 – 5K – thru Feb 15th
Early Bird – $20.00 – 5K – thru March 15th
5K – $25.00 – thru April 15th
5K – $30 – Day of the Race
$15 – Fun Run Only
$79 – Family Discount Rate
Location: Clinton Nature Preserve
8720 Ephesus Church Road
Villa Rica, Georgia
Run takes place on the trails of the Clinton Nature Preserve in Villa Rica, Georgia
Trophies given to the top overall male and female winner as well as masters male and female winners. Medals will be given to the top three in male and female five year increment age group categories from 10 and under all the way to 65 and up.
Learn More About Dr. George L. Harkins Jr Below
The Annual “Dash For Dr. George” is a fundraiser for the Esophageal Cancer Education Foundation (ECEF) in memory of Dr. George Harkins and Gene Barnes. Both were victims of Esophageal Cancer, currently the fastest growing cancer in the US. It is also the 7th deadliest cancer in the world. Early detection of the disease is very important. April is Esophageal Cancer awareness month.
Our family has lost two fathers to Esophageal Cancer, George L. Harkins Jr., M.D and Gene Barnes. We would like to raise awareness and promote research involving EC by staging a 5K and Fun Run, “Dash for Dr. George”, at a local nature preserve in our area. Hopefully, this will become an annual event that will successfully raise funds to fight this dreaded disease. Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
George L. Harkins Jr., M.D. was a prominent pediatrician in the west Atlanta suburb of Douglasville, GA. He was the founder of Douglas Pediatrics Associates, which became one of the largest pediatric practices in the Atlanta area. George was renowned for his humorous bedside manner with patients and their families. It was clear to everyone in his office that he had a passion for medicine and a desire to heal and comfort those in need. Earlier in his career, he started another successful practice in Rhinebeck, New York. Many of those patients continue to share stories about “Dr. George” almost 35 years after his departure. His educational background and experience was impeccable. He attended Boston College as an undergraduate, Georgetown University School of Medicine, and completed a fellowship at Harvard University. While at Harvard, he earned a commendation naming him “the best head resident” in the Pediatric Department at Boston Children’s Hospital. George also served his country as a Captain in the U.S. Navy in Parris Island, South Carolina, shortly after finishing his medical training in Boston.
Outside of the practice of medicine, George had many interests. He was a devout fan of Boston’s professional sports teams. He followed the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, and Boston Bruins intently during the fall and winter seasons. But his true favorite was the Boston Red Sox. He rarely missed a Sox game, and he could give an in-depth analysis of every current player. A native of Newton, Massachusetts, George grew up around many Red Sox families and had interactions with some of the players as a young man. He was also a lover of animals, especially his beloved Collies and English Sheepdogs. In his later years, George and his wife, Jo Ann, rescued several Collies from surrounding areas and provided them with a comfortable and loving home. George was also a student of world geography, as he traveled around the globe. He and Jo Ann visited many exotic locations. He made it a point to mix leisurely and historical vacations each year. This allowed George to share interesting stories with his patients. Finally, George was a “clotheshorse”. He enjoyed mixing colors and outfits to constantly update his appearance.
Most importantly, George loved his family. His wife of 52 years, Jo Ann, was his first and only love. He was the epitome of a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He helped to navigate his daughter, Erin, through her scholastic experiences. She is currently practicing dentistry, and he was a guiding force in her development as a medical professional. George was also a strong supporter of his grandsons in their scholastic and athletic careers. He attended several cross country meets for Collin and Brennan, even when he was forced to use a walker.
In March 2010, George suffered a stroke and went through extensive rehabilitation and physical therapy. He returned to work, and was able to function at a high level. In January 2013, he was diagnosed with Stage IV Esophageal Cancer, after experiencing bouts of reflux and difficulty swallowing. He was determined to overcome EC by seeking the best treatment options. He traveled to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, on a semi-monthly basis for his chemotherapy. George maintained a very positive and philosophical attitude during his ordeal. He was his typical humorous and insightful self until the very end. He will always be remembered as a person who succeeded in every phase of his life, both personal and professional.
Tickets & Cost – www.dashfordrgeorge.com
Contact info- FundRacers
Phone: 678-985-3921
Email: [email protected]
www.dashfordrgeorge.com
www.fightec.org/events/dash-dr-george/
