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By Michelle Fortune

Healthcare Umbrella

 

I read an anonymous quote on the Internet the other day: “The pain you feel today is the strength you feel tomorrow.” With all of the running I’ve been doing, I’m feeling aches and pains in places I forgot could harbor discomfort! Epsom Salt soaks have become the best friend to my achy legs, and at the same time, I feel my strength is increasing from the challenges. So, this quote resonated with me.

We all suffer from aches and pains at times that are a bit bothersome, but not usually serious. After a day of stacking firewood for winter prep or bending over while weeding the garden, the aches in my body remind me that I need more outdoor activity, strength training, and conditioning. Still, this exertion and resulting ache also brings me happiness for a job well done. There’s another ache that can be a mood lifter.

The annual “Ache Around The Lake,” a benefit for The St Luke’s Hospital Foundation—was founded in 2006 by two local runners to raise money for the hospital and to promote physical fitness. Funds from the race supported upgraded surgical and physical therapy equipment, supplied items for the infusion center, and provided needed items for the pharmacy and other clinical areas. This year, all funds raised from The Ache will support our effort to bring 3D Mammography to St Luke’s and the community.

An estimated one in eight women has Breast Cancer and our goal is to offer the latest in early detection screening technology to Polk County. St Luke’s now has a full-time Oncologist, Infusion Clinic, General Surgery Program with a specialized focus on Breast Surgery and high-quality onsite clinical care. With the addition of 3D Mammography, we will be well positioned to provide a full spectrum of services for women throughout the care continuum.

This year, in addition to the 2 mile Ouch and 5 mile Ache, there will be a FREE 1-mile kids fun run and a new challenge race. The 12-mile Trauma Challenge Race will be a fun way to push beyond the normal Ache and test your athletic abilities.

Due to Covid-19, The Foundation is implementing many additional safety precautions to ensure that our athletic event remains enjoyable during this challenging time. A few examples of the safeguards include:

• No “in-person” race day registration
• Day-of-race packet pickup in socially distant stations
• Runners will have chip timing and depart in waves to allow proper distancing
• All finishers will receive a medal and a “to go” snack bag as they complete the race
• To avoid crowds, we will mail the awards

The St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation is excited to benefit from this run, knowing that the dollars will be going to a project that can serve many women in our community. You and the Ache are doing great things for Polk County. An Ache that makes us all proud!

Please consider joining us on September 12th. To register, log onto www.slhfoundation.org. You can follow St Luke’s on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn or visit our website at SaintLukesHospital.com.

You can also contact Michelle Fortune at Michelle.Fortune@slhnc.org.