On February 6, 2013, Eastern Poultry’s Team Chicken Legs participated in the 36th Annual NYRR Empire State Building Run-Up Powered by MMRF to raise funds for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF). The event challenged racers to run up 86 flights of stairs (1,576 steps) with a final lap around the Observation Deck, a quarter mile above 5th Avenue in New York City
Team members John Rueger, Grant Conway, and Ted Rueger raced in memory of Eastern’s CFO and good friend Mike Hagarty and beloved friend Mary Hart, both afflicted with multiple myeloma (MM), an incurable blood cancer. Mike lost his battle at age 41 in 2011, leaving behind his wife and three daughters. Mary Hart, a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, lost her courageous five-year battle in December 2008.
After months of training, the Team was well-prepared for the challenge. Ted finished with the fastest time of 17:03, followed closely by John at 18:03, and Grant at 20:42.
Surpassing their initial fundraising goal of $7,500, Team Chicken Legs raised an incredible $23,184 — all donations to fund multiple myeloma research. To learn more about Team Chicken Legs, the Run-Up, or to donate, visit active.com.
ABOUT MMRF
The mission of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) is to relentlessly pursue innovative means to accelerate the development of next-generation multiple myeloma treatments to extend the lives of patients and lead to a cure. MMRF is one of the most highly regarded cancer foundations in the world with 90 percent of its total budget going directly towards research and related programming. Although progress has been made in treating multiple myeloma, the five-year relative survival rate remains one of the lowest of all cancers. To learn more, visit themmrf.org.