Runners take to the street to fight cancer

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Today, hundreds of runners took to the streets raising money to make a difference in our community. Hooters Restaurant and the Fort Myers Track Club teamed up to fight cancer.

One family in particular stood out at the race, wearing their pink shirts.

“My daughter, their sister, Chelsea Santucci, was diagnosed 14 months ago with stage 4 cancer,” said Patti Sullivan. Her daughter passed away in December.

Sullivan says, “Chelsea and I ran it in 2013 for the first time, and she didn’t know that she… was running with cancer.”

Candice Pemberton, president of the Fort Myers track club, says it’s all so they can “raise money for the Golisano Children’s Hospital, Barbara’s Friends, and the Moffitt Cancer Research Center.”

She says to have Santucci’s army out in full force makes the race even more meaningful, especially for the family.

“I haven’t even met half these people,” said Delaney Mitchell, Chelsea’s sister. “Just knowing that they all are here to support my sister crazy.”

So with every stride, they know they’re running for a cause.

“You know, I just kept thinking of her saying you can do it Tay, you can do it,” said Chelsea’s sister, Taylor Santucci.

While not physically present, they believe Chelsea Santucci is still running beside them.

Lifting up her own bib and showing one underneath, Santucci’s mother says, “I have her first half marathon so she’s with me.  This is her number.”