To raise awareness and funds to assist organ transplant patients and families at UR Medicine鈥檚 Strong Memorial Hospital, the transplant team and Friends of Strong organization invite individuals and teams to participate in the 14th annual Rochester River Run/Walk 5K on Sunday, April 12, at the聽. The race will begin at 10 a.m.

Patients who receive organ transplants鈥攊ncluding heart, liver, pancreas, and kidney transplants鈥攐ften need financial assistance while they await and after surgery. Travel expenses for former patients returning for follow-up care and the cost of medications create need among the swelling ranks of individuals requiring support.

In 2014, the River Run/Walk raised about $17,000, which helped provide aid to some of the hundreds of patients going through transplant evaluations, as well as pre- and post-transplant patients in need.

Family, friends, and co-workers may sponsor a runner/walker by making a donation through Friends of Strong to the Transplant Unit. Pledges can be made online through the Friends of Strong website (). Prizes will be awarded to the top two pledge collectors. A pair of round-trip airline tickets will be awarded to the top pledge collector. A gift certificate for an overnight stay with breakfast at The Lodge at Woodcliff will be awarded to the second highest collector. Overall top male and female finishers will each receive a cash prize of $100. Gift certificates to local restaurants will be awarded to the top male and female participants in each age group: 18 and under, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60+.

Prior to the race, a ceremony to honor local organ transplant recipients, living donors, and members of donor families will be held at 9 a.m. at the Roundhouse Shelter. The ceremony will recognize the daily sacrifices and challenges that face donors, recipients, and donor families. At 10 a.m. runners will depart on the 3.1-mile route along the Genesee River, which crosses Genesee Valley Park and the University of Rochester campus. The course is certified by USA Track & Field #NY10104KL. Walkers will follow with a 10:05 a.m. start.

Registration may be completed online at聽 until noon on Friday, April 10. The early registration fee is $30 per person. Participants who register by Monday, March 23 will receive a free long-sleeve tech shirt. Registration can also be completed on site the day of the race from 8 to 9:30 a.m. for $35 per person. Race packets must be picked up at either the Friends of Strong office (1-1230) at Strong Memorial Hospital between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Friday, April 10; at聽,听, between either 5 and 7 p.m. Friday, April 10 or 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 11; or prior to the race at the Genesee Valley Park Roundhouse Shelter between 8 and 9:30 a.m.聽

For more information or to register, visit聽fos.urmc.edu or or call聽Friends of Strong聽at (585) 275-2420.