Millstone family helps fight childhood cancer
BY JANE MEGGITT Staff Writer
Get out your walking or running shoes and spend time in Thompson Park for a good cause.

The third annual Friends and Neighbors in Action (FNA) 5K Race and Fun Walk, organized by FNA and sponsored by the North American Center for Continuing Medical Education (NACCME), is set for Saturday, Sept. 26 in Thompson Park, Monroe.

All net proceeds from the event will go to the Daniel Patrick Ryan Foundation, the Embrace Kids Foundation and FNA's Family Assistance Program, all to aid children and families dealing with childhood cancers.

Jeff Hennessy, the president and chief operating officer of HMP Communications Holdings in Millstone, has lived in Millstone for the past decade, and before that, resided in Monroe for nine years.

He and his wife, Jill, serve as president and vice president of FNA, which they founded in 2007.

Hennessey said they always wanted to do something charitable, and focus on people in the local community.

The first year, the 5K raised $20,000 to benefit cystic fibrosis. Hennessy said a child at the Immaculate Conception School in Spotswood, which two of his four children attend, had the disease.

The second 5K raised approximately the same amount of money for pediatric diabetes.

This year, even though the economy is down, Hennessy expects that about $25,000 will be raised to fight childhood cancer.

He said that one of the FNA board members, Jim Gregory, suggested this year's fundraiser after one of his relatives passed away from a children's cancer.

When asked what FNA may fundraise for in 2010, Hennessy said it is too early to tell, and a decision would be made after the first of the new year.

In the spring, a golf outing will be held at the Peddie School, Hightstown, which his other two children attend, to raise money for cystic fibrosis. He added that FNA also has a family assistance program, which can give money directly to local families in need. Last year, the program helped a young girl receive an insulin pump.

"We're always looking for families that need direct assistance," he said.

The race and fun walk will begin with registration at 9 a.m.

The course will take runners through the park, while the fun walk is approximately a 1-mile loop near the lakefront area.

An awards ceremony for top finishers in the 5K will take place immediately following the conclusion of the race.

Online and printable registration forms and additional race information, including a course map, are available at www.FNA5K.com.

The 5K course is USA Track and Field certified and sanctioned.

Individuals or corporations who wish to sponsor the event will find more information about sponsorship levels at www.FNA5K.com or by contacting Marcy Blaylock at 609-371-1137 or support@FNA5K.com.

Individuals who wish to serve as raceday volunteers may sign up at www.FNA5K.com or by contacting Blaylock at 609-371-1137.

The race will be held rain or shine.