On Sunday, September 18, 2022, the Becton Pack came together for the Tomorrows Children’s Fund 7th annual 5k. The Tomorrow’s Children Fund (TCF) was founded by a group of parents to help their children and others like them with cancer and serious blood disorders. TCF offers an array of activities, events and outings to help raise awareness for their young patients. (Source: https://www.tcfkid.org/.)

Over 120 people attended the 5k in Saddle Brook, New Jersey. From Becton– multiple students, teachers, and other members of the community came together to help in whatever way they could, and even ended the race with some independent wins! The winners from Becton include Dr. Sforza, Mr. McGuire, Mr. Dorsey, Daria Siwik, Samprit Bajracharya, and Michael Sorrentino.

Students Bajracharya, Sorrentino, and Siwik all do track, cross country, and will be participating in winter track this year. But when asked, they said that the 5k was nothing like their meets, because it was more meaningful due to the tradition and cause they were fighting for. Sorrentino mentioned that every group there was motivating to be around. “There was one man behind me who was saying ‘come on beat me, you could do it’, and I beat him by 0.2 seconds.”

Every winner had stated that they would easily do the TCF 5k again. They all found that running for Tomorrows Children’s Fund was the extra push to win the 5k for Becton. Bajracharya found that knowing he was going to be running for this cause encouraged him to run instead of just walk, which was his original plan. Siwik had mentioned that she was originally going to walk as well, as she left her running shoes at home. However, she was determined, and a family member dropped off a pair of running sneakers only five minutes before the race. 

Dr. Sforza found his motivation in Phil Knight’s book, Shoe Dog, specifically in the quote “I believe in running, I believe that if people got out and ran a few miles every day, the world would be a better place.” Although, Sforza was influenced by more than words, but experiences as well. In 2012, his niece, Angelina Sforza had succumbed to the disease. He had stated, “Throughout her treatment, my family saw personally what a disease such as this can do to families. Therefore, any opportunity we get to advocate is one step closer to finding a cure.” 

Becton has made the effort of raising awareness and funds to fight for the cure of childhood cancer. One of the quotes that is left on the TCF website says, “Our belief that through hope, hard work and heartfelt generosity, extraordinary things are possible.” With the hard work and generosity that Becton shows each year, extraordinary changes are truly possible! 

If you would like to help support the Tomorrows Children’s Fund, visit the link https://www.tcfkid.org/HowYouCanHelp, and donate.