Five-year old to receive portion of proceeds from the Tenth Annual Kelli’s 5K

Griffin Cochrane with his brother, Sawyer playing
on the Kelli Hutchison Memorial Playground

By Lorraine Glowczak

It was just two weeks ago that we were introduced to Griffin Cochrane, who took a celebratory home run lap around the bases of Hadlock Field in July. Griffin, who is five years old and from Windham, was diagnosed with leukemia on June 25, 2017, is in the process of receiving his three and a half years of chemotherapy sessions. He will be one of the recipients from this year’s Kelli’s 5K.

In its 10^th year, the proceeds from the run/walk are distributed in a number of ways. First and as always, monies raised are contributed to the anticipated growth of the Kelli Hutchison Memorial Playground, located on the grounds of St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, 40 Windham Center Road.

Known as the Lady Bug Playground, enough funds have been raised that a patio with picnic tables have recently been added. “Wildwood Properties, Inc. has helped us tremendously in changing the design as appropriated,” stated St. Ann’s member, Dan Wheeler who created the original design for the playground. “Genest Concrete supplied the stones for the patio. But what’s been most amazing about the playground is that on a typical Saturday afternoon, I have seen approximately 40 children in the community using it. Additionally, our Rector, Father Tim Higgins, will have conversations with folks at the picnic tables."

In addition to funding the playground, a portion of the funds raised is given to a community organization or an area family facing extraordinary challenges.

For those new to the greater Windham area, Kelli Hutchison, a member of St. Ann’s church passed away at the age of 10 on February 16, 2010, of GBM brain cancer, an aggressive form of cancer that most often occurs in adult men ages 50 to 70. Although the run/walk may have been precipitated by somber beginnings, the true focus of the Kelli’s 5K is to spread light, friendship and the art of giving to others, which represents Kelli’s true-life expressions. Kelli’s mother, father and brother have chosen Griffin Cochrane and his family to be this year’s recipient.

“We’ve been so touched by the community’s response” began Danielle, Griffin’s mom. “People we’ve never met have reached out to see what they can do to help. We are honored to be chosen by Kelli’s family. It means so much to us.”

Griffin was just three years old when he and his family discovered the reason he had been experiencing red dots on his skin along with excessive bruising. When Danielle and husband/father, Bobby, took Griffin’s younger brother, Sawyer, to the pediatrician - the doctor noticed the bruising and advised them to keep an eye on things.

“The weekend after that appointment, Griffin fell and hit his head, so we took him to the emergency room and they kept him overnight in the hospital due to the extreme bruising,” stated Danielle. “It was at that visit where he was tested and diagnosed with Leukemia.”

For the first nine months after diagnosis, Griffin spent most his time in and out of the hospital with fevers and scheduled chemotherapy sessions. Danielle, who is a Physical Therapist, took a sabbatical from work during this time, not only to take Griffin to his chemo sessions, but due to the intense side effects of the chemo, Griffin’s immune system was compromised. “We couldn’t take him to day care,” explained Danielle. “Even if another child had something as simple as a runny nose - it could be detrimental to Griffin’s health.”

Griffin is now on the Maintenance phase of chemotherapy – which is the longest part of his treatment. This consists of daily oral chemotherapy at home. At times during this phase, Griffin takes 16 pills a day. He has been in this phase of treatment for over a year and will be until he finishes. On this maintenance program, Griffin’s immune system is much stronger. He can happily go to preschool and do other activities a five-year-old enjoys."

I’m amazed at how successful Danielle and Bobby were able to teach a three year how to swallow pills,” stated Danielle’s mother, Rhonda Lamb,who has been by the family’s side, helping where needed, since Griffin’s diagnosis.

Kelli Hutchison, who would be 20 years old today,
would be happy that a portion of the run/walk
proceeds will be helping five year old Griffin.

Danielle explained they started with chocolate sprinkles, asking Griffin to swallow and not eat them. Once that was a success they moved up to small M&Ms and continued until he mastered a skill that most children are never asked to do. “I can swallow three pills at once now,” Griffin stated proudly.

Griffin also has a monthly I.V. chemotherapy appointment and a lumbar puncture chemo every three months which requires anesthesia. “We will be completely done with chemotherapy in October 2020,” Danielle said.

Although there is some relief at seeing the light at the end of, what will be, a three- and one-half year tunnel, Danielle admits she has some fears regarding the side effects and repercussions the medicine and surgeries may have on Griffin’s future health. “It always makes me feel better when I hear success stories of other children who’ve been through what Griffin is going through now,” she said.

If you are a runner, jogger or walker, Kelli’s 5K is just around the corner. Those who wish to get in an early morning jog or leisurely walk while contributing to a great community cause, can do so on Saturday, August 10 at the Windham High School’s cross-country course. Located at 406 Gray Road, the annual Kelli’s 5K will begin at 9 a.m. with two courses to choose from. The first, a challenging and timed 5K run that will include rolling terrain, a series of bridges and a steep path. The second course is a non-timed walkathon around the Windham High School Campus.

Register in advance for $20 at./legacy.imathlete.com/events/K5K/, or you may register at the race prior to 8:30 a.m. for $25. Unfortunately, the original Kelli 5K website is no longer up and running.

“Kelli would be so happy to know that a portion of the proceeds is going to help Griffin and his family,” stated Melissa Hutchison, Kelli’s mother. Kelli would have been 20 years old if she was a live today.

If you can’t make the event or are unable to make a financial donation, there is one more thing you can do. “I hope everyone keeps Griffin in their prayers,” said Hutchison. “This was one thing I'd ask of people if they wanted to do something for Kelli or for us; prayers. Anyone can do them, they don't cost anything and they mean so much.”

The following are a list of sponsors and supporters:

Grondin

Rowe Westbrook

Primerica

Nicole Foster with Locations Real Estate

The Beacon

Capozza Tile & Floor Covering Center

Christina Capozzi Foundation

Casco Bay Steel

Betty ReeZ WhoopieZ

Old Port Press

Homestead Mortgage

Genest

Wildwood Properties

Windham Millwork

Ice Cream Dugout

Spectrum Healthcare Partners

Bob the Screenprinter

St. Ann's Episcopal Church

Businesses that supplied raffle prizes/supplies/donations:

Shaw's

Hannaford

Cricket's Corner

Dog-Gone Grooming

Point Sebago

Lowe's

Home Depot

Rustler's Steak House

Binga's

Seacoast Adventure 

Cumberland County Federal Credit Union

Olympia Sports

There have been many donations received from the community also. The Hutchison Family gives a huge thank you for all your support.

Seventh annual Kelli’s 5K to donate funds to RSU14 and local boy battling cancer by Lorraine Glowczak

Kelli's thoughtfulness and kind heart lives on in the event

The seventh annual Kelli’s 5K is just around the corner; all area runners and walkers are invited to participate. There’s only a little over a week to register. Those who wish to get in an early morning jog or leisurely walk and contribute to a great community cause at the same time, can do so on Saturday, August 12 at the Windham High School’s cross country course. Located at 406 Gray Road, the annual Kelli’s 5K will begin at 9 a.m. with two courses to choose from. The first, a challenging and timed 5K run that will include rolling terrain, a series of bridges and a steep path. The second course is a non-timed walkathon around the Windham High School Campus.

Registration for the annual walk/run has already begun and will continue to be accepted up to 30 minutes prior to the race. But hurry! The first 50 paid registrants will receive a Team Kelli T-shirt.

The Kelli’s 5K, hosted by St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, became an annual running and walking event in 2010, to remember and honor Kelli Hutchison, a member of the church. Kelli passed away at the age of 10 on February 16, 2010, of GBM brain cancer, an aggressive form of cancer that most often occurs in adult men ages 50 to 70. Although the run/walk may have been precipitated by somber beginnings, the true focus of the Kelli’s 5K is to spread light, friendship and the art of giving to others, which represents Kelli’s true life expressions. 

Every year, proceeds from the event are distributed in a number of ways. As always, monies raised are contributed to the anticipated growth of the Kelli Hutchison Memorial Playground, located on the grounds of St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, 40 Windham Center Road. 

To continue and honor Kelli’s desire to help others, portions of the funds raised this year will go toward the Windham/Raymond school district for activity fees as well as to Nolan Cyr, a local boy battling cancer.

A portion of funds raised will go toward Nolan Cyr

“Each year we like to share some of our proceeds from Kelli's 5k,” said Melissa Hutchinson, Kelli’s mother. “This year we thought of Nolan Cyr, a 10 year old boy from Windham who is battling a disease and is someone that our church has been praying for - someone that could probably use a bit of a distraction in his life - maybe have a chance to do something exciting or even something that makes him feel regular - to forget the disease - a family that could use a bit of something special or even something normal.” 

It is also important to the Hutchinson family as well as the Kelli Memorial Playground committee to give a portion of the monies raised to the RSU14 activity fees. “We know there are kids who can’t afford to participate in various school activities but want to,” explained Dan Wheeler, chair of the playground committee. “We want to help those children join in on the activities they would not be able to participant in otherwise.” 

As for the anticipated growth of the playground, there is an expansion that will soon occur. “We hope to freshen up the present playground by installing new equipment this spring,” Wheeler said. “Presently, the playground has no trees so we will be planting six trees strategically around the play area this fall.”

A photoshopped rendering of trees added to the playground

The Memorial Playground was built to not only honor Kelli’s memory, but to be a fun and well used community recreation spot for all children to play. It seems that the purpose and goal of the playground’s existence has been met. “I work every day at the church, and there are always children using it,” stated Wheeler. “It is very well used and that makes us happy.”

For those who have not yet registered for the run/walk and wish to do so, it is not too late. To register, go online at www.kellis5k.com. The cost to register is $15 before the event, $20 the day of the event. To make a donation for playground improvement visit Playground donation or for further information,  please contact Dan Wheeler at dlfwheeler@aol.com.  

For more information about Nolan Cyr, his journey with cancer as well as other fundraising efforts, please visit the Facebook page, www.facebook.com/fightlikeacyr/.

If you can’t make the event or are unable to make a financial donation, there is one more thing you can do. “I hope everyone keeps Nolan in their prayers,” said Hutchinson. “This was one thing I'd ask of people if they wanted to do something for Kelli or for us; prayers. Anyone can do them, they don't cost anything and they mean so much.”

Kelli's 5K accomplished its mission - By Lorraine Glowczak

Despite the soggy and cool conditions on Saturday morning, August 13th, a large crowd of runners and walkers found their way to the Windham High School campus to donate their time, money and honor the memory of Kelli Hutchison at the 6th Annual Kelli’s 5K. 

This year’s run/walk was a success in many ways. At the time of this writing, $3,500 had been raised thus far. Donations were still coming in and are being accepted. The final dollar amount, less expenses, will be known in a few weeks. 

A portion of this year’s donations were a result of sponsorships from the following organizations: Bob the Screenprinter, Casco Bay Steel Structures, Betty ReeZ WhoopieZ, Capozza Tile & Floor Covering Center, Sebago Trails Paddling Co., Dr. Podhouse at Orthodontic Associates, Grondin, Blue Rock Stone Center, Pike Industries, St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, Rowe Westbrook, Homestead Mortgage Loans, Primerica, Titcomb Associates, Joe and Suzanne Joyce.

Congratulations go to the fastest teen male and overall winner of this year’s event - William Chandler with a running time of 18:48. He was followed by the fastest male Eric Martin. The fastest female was Megan Curtis, followed by the fastest teen female, Analyse Harris. 

 

Along with the winners of the event, many others came out in support of this community cause. One such person was George Vooris. George was present because raising awareness and funds for cancer is important to him. He is the organizer of the Second Annual Naples Causeway 5K Walk or Run that will occur this year on August 28th. Proceeds from that event will go towards the Patrick Dempsey Cancer Center and the local food pantry. Originally, George’s intention was to run the Kelli’s 5K but as a result of recently hurting his ankle, he volunteered instead. 

Becky Delcourt of Windham has been a walker for this event since 2008, when it began as the St. Ann’s 5K. Delcourt stated, “I have known Kelli’s family for a long time and my son is a member of the WHS class of 2017.” As a result, she stated that it was especially important for her to participate again in this year’s event since 50 percent of the donations are going to the Windham High School 2017 Project Graduation, of which Kelli was also member. Becky’s friend, Michelle McCartney, joined the race for the first time. She was moved by Kelli’s story and wanted to make a contribution to this year’s cause and to honor the memory of the amazing and loving person that Kelli was known as by her family, friends and the community.

Jeremiah Merrill, a 2016 graduate of WHS, who grew up in the same neighborhood as the Hutchisons shared, “I remember playing with Kelli and her brother Cory. This is the first time I have participated in Kelli’s 5K but it is important to me to be a part of this year’s event. It is a special year since Kelli would have graduated in June 2017.” Jeremiah volunteered as parking attendant and participated as a walker.

Emily Skvorak and Celine Baker, both members of the 2017 graduating class, didn’t let the rain stop them either. Both of the runners were friends with Kelli and expressed how much they miss her presence. They both agreed that it was important for them to “honor and remember Kelli as a member of the graduating class.” They also spoke of Shane Donnelly, another class member who passed away unexpectedly in late spring of 2015. Celine stated that “the passing of Kelli and Shane brought the community and the class together in unexpected and special ways. It’s difficult to go through life without them.” 

Emily continued with that same thought, “Whenever I am doing something for the first time, such as prom, I think it would have been so much more fun to have Kelli here, doing this with me.”

Another Kelli 5K volunteer also shared her story. Beverly Robertson, Kelli’s Aunt, has been volunteering since the Kelli 5K began in 2010. She believed Kelli’s spirit looked down upon Saturday’s event, “Kelli would be very pleased with the outpouring of caring happening today.” It seemed Beverly knew Kelli’s spirit was there as she shared a very special story. “On the day Kelli was laid to rest and as my husband and I were driving home, I asked Kelli for a sign.” Within a few minutes, it seems Kelli honored her aunt’s wishes by displaying a rainbow on a sunny day without a cloud in the sky. Not once, not twice, but three times. Beverly continued, “When I got home, I called Melissa (Kelli’s mother), and told her about my experience. As we were talking, a rainbow appeared just outside the window for Melissa to also see.” 

Kelli’s parents, Melissa and Mike as well as her brother Cory wished to express their gratitude to all who participated and made donations. Overwhelmed with the spirit of community, the Hutchisons are happy beyond measure at this year’s successful Kelli’s 5K. It is their hope that Kelli’s essence remains a presence in the Windham community. Her love for life, her deep passion and caring for others, as well as the joy she had despite the challenges she faced at such a young age. May each individual in this small community see their own rainbows on difficult days and remember to enjoy it all, despite it all, Melissa said.

To make a financial contribution for the playground and 2017 Project Grad, visit the website at www.kellis5k.com.