Fun is contagious at Splash ‘n’ Dash 5k, Saturday, Aug. 6

Story by: Krissy Raque on August 2, 2016

Have you signed up for the Norton Children’s Hospital Splash ‘n’ Dash 5k walk/run yet? If you’re still on the fence about participating, two Norton Children’s Hospital nurses can help convince you to join in the fun this Saturday, Aug. 6, at Beckley Creek Park!

Darla York, R.N., nurse manager in the Addison Jo Blair Cancer Care Center, Norton Children’s Hospital, participated in the first Splash ‘n’ Dash last year and is back again. Her whole unit will be volunteering or participating in the event.

One of the things that makes Splash ‘n’ Dash so special is that there’s something for everyone — whether you are tackling the 5k with your friends, bringing your little ones for the 1k Family Fun Run or volunteering to make the event a success.

“Our unit wanted to participate in Splash ‘n’ Dash this year to raise funds for our Oncology Spirit Fund, which pays for ‘end of chemotherapy parties’ for patients and various staff- and patient-related activities,” York said.

This year the unit is sponsoring a Splash Zone team, whose job is to soak walkers/runners with fun water toys. The theme is “It’s Raining Cats and Dogs,” and team members have designed T-shirts and created costumes to help bring the theme to life.

One of York’s favorite memories from last year’s 5k is the Kids’ Zone.

“I loved watching the kids have fun with all the bounce houses, water activities, characters and more,” she said. “It’s all about the kids. Everything we do is about the kids.”

This year York and her husband will be volunteering at one of the watering stations.

Stacy Flanders, R.N., nurse manager in the “Just for Kids” Critical Care Center, Norton Children’s Hospital, also will be at the event with her unit.

“We have been trying for several years to find a good fundraising idea for the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU),” she said. “Splash ‘n’ Dash is great because it allows participants to raise funds for this important area of the hospital, and we see it as a great way to engage our team members in support of our daily work.”

This will be Flanders’ second year participating. She said her team members don’t train much, but they will walk a little, run a little and just have fun together.

“The event is very family-friendly and organized, and is a great experience to be active with family members,” she said. “Get some good exercise and have fun at the same time. The park is beautiful, the energy is contagious, and I think the event is excellent for families, as well as anyone who just wants to have fun!”