LEBANON – The celebration of the 2021 CHaD HERO is in full swing as CHaD HERO Week begins today. The following contains information on CHaD HERO Week, the CHaD HERO 5K, COVID protocols, fundraising events and story ideas featuring some of the participants for the largest fundraiser for Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock.

CHaD HERO Flash Dash

The HERO festivities began Tuesday with the annual Flash Dash at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon. This event allows CHaD providers and patients the opportunity to participate in a mini-HERO event around the main entrance of DHMC. Photos from the event are attached to this release.

Virtual HERO Week begins Sunday

Sunday marks the start of the week-long virtual portion of the HERO event. From biking to hiking, dancing to baking, virtual HEROES will be doing their favorite activities to support the children and programs at CHaD. Virtual participants will be sharing photos and stories of their adventures with the CHaD HERO team throughout the week.

CHaD HERO 5K & COVID-19 information

HERO week comes to an end Sunday, Sept. 26 with the return of the in-person 5K Run on the Dartmouth Green in Hanover, N.H. Bib pick-up begins at 10 a.m. on event day and the 5K run starts at noon. Registration ends Sept. 23 at 9 a.m. for the in-person 5K.

To keep this event safe and fun for everyone, please follow these precautions:

If you are ill leading up to the CHaD HERO, please do not attend.

If you are not vaccinated, please consider participating in one of our CHaD HERO virtual activities.

Masks are required in all indoor spaces for all participants and in some outdoor areas regardless of vaccination status — this includes bib pick-up, food tent, on buses, and at the start and finish lines. You may remove your mask outdoors when at least 6 ft. of distancing is available, but please wear a mask around others. You may also remove your mask once you have begun the 5K race.

Please use hand sanitizer often, especially where provided at the food tent entrance before handling food.

HERO Team Spotlight

Team Josie – Josie is a 10-year-old girl from Hanover who was diagnosed with leukemia in January. Since that diagnosis, the community has rallied around her and her family (see fundraising events below). Team Josie is currently the top fundraising team with nearly $16,000 raised, and they are pushing to have 200 total members on the team. Even better – Josie is now in remission!

Team Cioffredi – Matt Goodell is leading Team Cioffredi after serving as a longtime CHaD HERO volunteer and participant with Cioffredi & Associates. Matt’s family will experience this year’s event from a new perspective as a CHaD family. Four months ago, his daughter Aurora was diagnosed with a rare disorder that puts her at serious risk for developing abdominal tumors. Aurora will need abdominal MRIs every three months and the family is grateful to have the Child Life team to guide and comfort them along the way.

Team Shine On – Cara Delura is participating in this year’s HERO 5K in memory of her daughter Willa Shine Clark, who was cared for in the pediatric ICU at CHaD. Cara and her family relied heavily on the Child Life Program during their darkest hours. Cara’s daughter Chloe will be participating in the virtual 5K. The team has raised almost $3,000.

Local ‘HERO Happenings’

Woodstock Farmers’ Market CHaD HERO Round-Up Campaign – Runs through Sept. 30

Round up your change to the nearest dollar or make a donation at the register at Woodstock Farmers’ Market in Woodstock, Vt.

CHaD HERO Week at Lou’s – Sept. 18-25

A super-hero themed menus is available at Lou’s Restaurant & Bakery, Hanover, N.H., all week

Poverty Lane Orchards pick-your-own apples day – Sept. 23 – Lebanon

50 percent of proceeds benefit CHaD; $5 off your purchase if you wear a costume

Upper Valley Comic Expo – Oct. 2 – 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Fireside Inn, West Lebanon

The following events have been organized by Team Josie (see below) and will support their HERO fundraising:

Upper Valley CrossFit Workout – Sept. 18, 8-9 a.m. – 33 Morgan Drive, Lebanon, N.H.

24-minute workout, members and non-members welcome.

Virtual Spin Class – Sept. 18, 9:30 a.m. – VIRTUAL EVENT

45-minute spin class with Foundational Fitness & Pilates. Contact Debra Grabill at dgfoundationalfitness@gmail.com

CrossFit off the Green workout – Sept. 19, 9-10 a.m. – 37 Spencer Street, Lebanon

30-minute workout for all abilities.

RVC Tennis Foam Ball Tournament – Sept. 19, 9 a.m.-noon – 33 Morgan Drive, Lebanon

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