’Dash for Dads’ is family remembrance
Dick Smith was the kind of dad Father’s Day is all about. His children can attest to it. And even though he died four years ago, this Father’s Day will be all about him and the countless other dads who were taken too soon by cancer.By: Meg Heaton, Hudson Star-Observer
Dick Smith was the kind of dad Father’s Day is all about. His children can attest to it. And even though he died four years ago, this Father’s Day will be all about him and the countless other dads who were taken too soon by cancer.
Smith’s daughters, Diane, Minda and Jennie and his son, David, their families, and their mother Lucy, are staging the first “Dash for Dads- Family 5K Run/Walk” this Father’s Day, June 19, beginning in Prospect Park. Proceeds raised at the event will go to the Hudson Relay For Life on June 24-25.
Smith died of lymphoma in January 2007. Diane Coto said that since losing their father, the family has continued to be touched by cancer. Along with her husband, Mike, who has survived a brain tumor, the disease has affected many in the family and the siblings thought the event would be a good way to honor their dad and other loved ones while fighting cancer.
“It is a way to honor all of our dads, brothers and sons in the battle against cancer,” said Coto in an interview from her home in Port St. Lucy, Fla. “Dad wouldn’t want to be the center of attention but we think he would like the idea of a run and the family connection.”
Coto said Smith would love the idea of the event because it brings all of his children together to work toward something good. “Our dad taught by example, he was always doing things for others and always caring for and contributing to his community. As his kids we only wanted to make him proud of our actions, and in his death I believe we are all still striving to live as he did. I often think about my kids and how when they lost their grandpa they lost one of the best people in their lives and I can only hope to pass along his qualities to them.”
Smith is remembered by many in Hudson for the time he spent as a school guidance counselor at Hudson High School back in the 1960s. He and his wife Lucy raised their family in town, living in the same house for 45 years. Smith was active in a number of community organizations, most prominently in the Boosters.
Coto said that following her husband’s successful treatment, she voiced concern to their doctor over the cancer returning. She said she will never forget his response. He said that there are new treatments being developed every day and that there is a very good chance that if the cancer were to return, there will be a new treatment, or even a cure. “He believed in a cure and that the research is out there to develop it. The fundraising done by Relay For Life and the American Cancer Society plays a huge part in developing the research towards finding a cure. Our 5K event is just a drop in the bucket, but that last drop might just be the one dollar needed for the cure.”
Coto’s sister, Minda Barthman of Hudson said, “We’re hoping to fill the streets with runners and walkers fighting this terrible disease. We want this to be a huge event in Hudson, bringing families out on Father’s Day to honor and remember all fathers, brothers and sons who have been in the battle with cancer. “
Registration for the event is available online or by mailing in a registration form. The cost is listed on the registration form with the early registration deadline of June 7 to guarantee a free T-shirt. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. on the day of the event with the 5K to begin at 9 a.m. To register, make a donation or for more information go to http://main.acsevents.org/goto/DASHFORDADS; call (651)983-1144 or e-mail dashfordads@hotmail.com.
RSS Feeds