1st Annual Joe Cassella 5K Run & Walk

May 29

Last weekend I was asked to photograph the 1st Annual Joe Cassella 5K Run & Walk. I was really excited to be part of this event, especially because almost all my weekends have been consumed with weddings! So, as fate would have it, I had the date free and was able to commit!I knew of the event because myself and my family are part of Elite Fitness Concepts, a local gym here in Great Falls, VA. Mike and I became really good friends with the staff straight away, and particularly with Pat DeRocco, one of the trainers. When we first joined, we learned pretty quickly that Pat's brother-in-law (and owner of Elite), Joe Cassella, was battling cancer. We never met Joe, but we heard nothing but the absolute best about him, and he lost his life to mesothelioma on July 11, 2009. This event was established to carry on Joe's random acts of kindess, as Joe himself created a 5K in honor of Peter Choo, a local Great Falls resident who lost his life to cancer back in 2007. All proceeds of this event will benefit the Cassella Children's Education Trust Fund and The Miracle League. To donate you can go to: http://www.joecassella5k.com/donate.html.

The event was a major success, particularly in part to the coordinating efforts of Pat DeRocco and Vivi Cassella! It rained almost the entire time (from registration, to running, to the awards!), but it didn't keep anyone away! As you can see below, the turnout was amazing, and it was a wonderful time for all. Thanks to Pat and Vivi for allowing me to be part of such a special occasion, and please enjoy the photos below!