Merrimack County Savings Bank (the Merrimack) will serve as the lead sponsor of the Rock ‘N Race benefit Concord Hospital Payson Center for Cancer Care. This is the Bank’s thirteenth consecutive year as naming sponsor. Since the race’s inception, the Merrimack has contributed more than $361,000 to Payson Center. Many of the Bank’s employees also serve as volunteers and participants at the event.
The theme for this year’s event is “Rock Your Way,” and participants have the choice of participating in person at a group 5K run or walk or to participate virtually by running or walking the distance any time during the month of May. The live events will take place on Saturday, May 22, with the run beginning at 8 a.m. and the walk at 2 p.m., both beginning at Memorial Field in Concord. The fundraiser’s proceeds support the Payson Center for Cancer Care at Concord Hospital.
With more than 6,000 annual participants, the Merrimack County Savings Bank Rock ‘N Race is the largest 5K race/walk north of Boston, raising more than $5 million since its first event in 2003. All proceeds ensure patients receive the highest quality medical care and best treatment options available.
“We are enormously grateful to the Merrimack for their steadfast Rock N’ Race sponsorship and for supporting the efforts of the Payson Center to provide exceptional care to cancer patients and their loved ones, “said Pamela Puleo, Chief Advancement Officer at Concord Hospital Trust.
“Without the generosity from both corporate neighbors, like the Merrimack, and the community, we would not be able to provide all of the HOPE Resource Center services, which assure that people with cancer have the support they need to fight the disease.”
“The Rock ‘N Race brings our entire community together to honor, celebrate and pay tribute to loved ones who’ve been touched by cancer, “ said Linda Lorden, President of Merrimack County Savings Bank. “We are honored to serve as champions for this event each year and to play a role in ensuring the highest quality cancer treatment programs and resources are available close to home.”
As one of Concord Hospital’s five centers of excellence, Payson Center for Cancer Care offers a comprehensive array of services, including cancer-related specialists, diagnostic technology, radiation, and medical oncology, surgery, rehabilitation, outreach, screening, early detection programs, spiritual care, and financial counseling, among many other resources and amenities. All proceeds raised from the Rock ‘N Race go toward supportive programs and financial assistance for cancer patients in need.
Founded in 1946 from a merger between the Margaret Pillsbury General Hospital and the Memorial Hospital for Women and Children, Concord Hospital is a non-profit, charitable organization that exists to meet individuals’ health needs within the communities it serves. As a regional health system, its five centers of excellence include the Center for Cardiac Care, Center for Urologic Care, Payson Center for Cancer Care, the Orthopedic Institute, and Women’s Health Services. Concord Hospital Trust serves as the philanthropic arm of Concord Hospital. For more information, visit concordhospital.org.