Surgeon Spearheads New Road Race

By Somerset Medical Center
SOMERSET MEDICAL CENTER SURGEON COMBINES PASSION FOR RUNNING AND MEDICINE, LAUNCHING NEW ROAD RACE ON MAY 17
Steeplechase Spring Classic Benefits The Steeplechase Cancer Center
SOMERVILLE, NJ, April 3, 2009 — Before she heads to the OR at Somerset Medical Center, surgeon Cynthia Lee, MD, begins most of her days running several miles through the streets around the medical center in Somerville. Running is a passion for the Stockton resident, not only keeping her in shape but helping her clear her mind and get mentally prepared for the day ahead.
“When I’m running, particularly long distances, I’m able to let my mind go blank and forget about everything,” she says.
            Dr. Lee, who performs breast cancer surgery and advanced laparoscopic surgery, is now combining her passion for running with another passion: advancing cancer care.
She has spearheaded the creation of the Steeplechase Spring Classic, a new road race set for May 17 in Hillsborough. The race, which features 25K and 5K races and a 1-mile Fun Walk, will raise money to expand educational programs at The Steeplechase Cancer Center at Somerset Medical Center. The $28 million outpatient facility, which opened in 2007, houses the Sanofi-aventis Breast Care Program, radiation oncology services, infusion therapy, the Sanofi-aventis Wellness Boutique, oncologists’ offices, the medical center’s clinical research team and complementary medicine services.
            The idea for the Steeplechase Spring Classic came to Dr. Lee after running in a similar charity race last year. 
            “As with any race, I came away feeling euphoric, the endorphins producing a ‘runner’s high,’” she says. “I started thinking about how I could reproduce this ‘feel good’ moment closer to home.”
             Dr. Lee has been on staff at Somerset Medical Center for 10 years and is an active member of multidisciplinary teams at the medical center’s Steeplechase Cancer Center that focus on establishing treatment protocols for breast and colon cancer patients. She turned to her fellow physicians at the medical center for support for a charity race, raising nearly $50,000 since November. Twenty-five physician practices have made donations so far, serving as the race’s presenting sponsors: Physicians for the Cure.
            “Dr. Lee’s enthusiasm for this event has been contagious,” says Ken Bateman, president and CEO of Somerset Medical Center. “We are excited to launch this new race to help raise cancer awareness and enhance the cancer care services that we provide to our community.”
The Steeplechase Spring Classic begins and ends at Amsterdam Elementary School in Hillsborough. The 25K race – the only one in the region — begins at 8 a.m. followed by the 5K race at 10:30 a.m. and the Fun Walk at 10:45 a.m. The event will be held rain or shine.
            Registration for individuals is $75 for the 25K run, $35 for the 5K run and $30 for the Fun Walk. Special family rates for up to four family members are $120 for the 5K run and $100 for the Fun Walk. To register, visit http://steeplechasespringclassic.kintera.org. For more information, call 908-685-2585.