Pottstown-area runs all over cancer at new 5K event set for Oct. 28

by courtney h. diener-stokes

Allyson Beasley-Brown, of Pottstown, was 48 when she received her first cancer diagnosis. One to get an annual mammogram, it was a biopsy after an irregular exam in 2006 that revealed she had breast cancer.

Given her family history, Beasley-Brown knew there was a high likelihood that cancer would be a part of her personal biography at some point in her life.

“I’m third-generation breast cancer,” she said.

After undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, she was told she was cancer-free. It was nine years later when she received another round of unfortunate news.

Allyson Beasley-Brown, a breast cancer survivor and the founder of Pottstown's 'Let's Run/Walk All Over Cancer 5K' inspires participants. (Photo Courtesy of Allyson Beasley-Brown) — Allyson Beasley-Brown, a breast cancer survivor and the founder of Pottstown’s ‘Let’s Run/Walk All Over Cancer 5K’ inspires participants. (Photo Courtesy of Allyson Beasley-Brown)

“I was diagnosed with breast cancer again and said, ‘I don’t want to mess around’, so I got a double mastectomy with reconstructive surgery,” Beasley-Brown said.

After her mastectomy and undergoing more treatment, today at age 64 she is cancer free again.

Her cancer journey

Along the way on her cancer journey, she felt called to start spreading awareness through the creation of an annual walk. A resident of Arlington, Virginia, at the time, it was a chance to bring survivors, their loved ones and caregivers together. Eventually, 400 individuals started coming out in support of the annual event.

“We have a bond that’s good to have,” she said, referring to survivors of breast cancer. “It’s like a sisterhood.”

The aim was for the proceeds from the event to directly impact those in need who are cancer survivors.

“I wanted to do something that helps and there are needs out there that I know from experience, like rides, companionship and support,” she said.

Greater level of awareness

Another goal was to create a greater level of awareness.

“Early detection is so important,” she said. “Some people perish because of a lack of knowledge and education.”

After moving back to her childhood hometown of Pottstown in 2018, she eventually decided to begin offering the event to her current community. Called the “Let’s Walk/Run All Over Cancer 5K,” the event will take place in Pottstown on Saturday, Oct. 28, at 9 a.m.

Allyson Beasley-Brown's events for cancer have brought people together to raise awareness. (Photo Courtesy of Allyson Beasley-Brown) — Allyson Beasley-Brown’s events for cancer have brought people together to raise awareness. (Photo Courtesy of Allyson Beasley-Brown)

The Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation is helping to promote the event by listing it on their calendar and sharing it on social media.

“The Foundation is proud to partner with community organizations in the Pottstown region to support events that promote good health,” said John Robertson, communication specialist with the Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation. “This includes financial support to host events within our service area, a 10-mile radius of Pottstown, and also includes promotion of community events through our event calendar and on social media.”

The Foundation’s mission

Robertson shared how the run/walk for cancer aligns with the Foundation’s mission.

“Events that encourage active lifestyles and create the opportunity for community connections are vital for promoting health among Pottstown-area residents,” he said. “Organized races and walks are a great way for people of all abilities to come together and enjoy our public spaces while building friendships.”

Open to all ages to participate, registration for the ‘Let’s Walk/Run All Over Cancer 5K’ opens at 8 a.m. at Riverfront Park, which is the starting point of the event.

“I wanted the run to be inclusive of all cancers, not just breast cancer,” Beasley-Brown said. “It’s a mean and ugly disease that tears your body apart.”

Impact on loved ones

She emphasized the impact cancer can have on the loved ones of those diagnosed.

“It’s destructive to families,” she said. “As soon as you hear the word ‘cancer’ families panic.”

Regardless of the type of cancer one might have, Beasley-Brown said it can be an overwhelming experience.

Allyson Beasley-Brown will bring cancer survivors, family members and caregivers together at her 5K run/walk on Oct. 28 in Pottstown. (Photo Credit: Pexels)

“Life still goes on and you have to work and pay your bills,” she said. “You can get behind and that happened to me because it’s difficult to focus and take care of things when you’re sick and going through treatment.”

Beasley-Brown, a retired technology project manager who is currently a minister at Rhema Ministries International in Pottstown, hopes to make a direct impact through her run/walk.

“I want to be able to go out and help the community,” she said. “I think I can make a difference here in Pottstown.”