This article was posted with written permission from Anne Coburn-Griffis, Managing Editor, Putnam County Sentinel.
Ada resident to participate in TCS New York City Marathon Opening Ceremony
NEW YORK, NY — When Stage 4 Cancer Survivor David Dellifield [Zeta Kappa/Ohio Northern 1994] received his guaranteed entry into the 2014 TCS New York City Marathon, he knew that this was more than just another marathon.
As the days tick down until his family leaves for New York City, he is even more convinced of that. Just a few days ago, Dellifield received his invitation to represent the United States of America in the TCS NYC Marathon Opening Ceremony Presented by United Airlines. He will be one of 1,000 participants from 85 countries marching in the parade on Oct. 31 at 5:25 p.m. The parade will kick off Marathon Weekend.
Here is an excerpt from the story that David’s wife, Jami, sent on a whim one evening to the TCS New York City Marathon that allowed him to be chosen for this once in a lifetime honor:
Stage 4 cancer survivor, David Dellifield (age 42), from Ada will be running the TCS New York City Marathon (http://www.tcsnycmarathon.org) on Nov. 2. Since running his first marathon in May, 2009, David has had a goal to run the NYC Marathon, which runs through all five boroughs.
Dellifield (a 39 year-old, non-smoker) was diagnosed with stage 4, well-differentiated squamous-cell carcinoma (throat cancer) on Feb. 2, 2011. David’s treatment included radiation five days per week and chemotherapy once per week for three hours for two months. He finished his cancer treatments on May 2, 2011 — two days after the he completed the Flying Pig Marathon, surrounded by two relay teams of family and friends, and the first Send Cancer on a Run, which helped raise money for Not By Choice Outreach (Kenton) was completed.
When David, received his guaranteed entry to the TCS New York City 2014, Send Cancer on Run 2: All the Way to the Big Apple was born. The goal for this mission outreach is 50,266 quarters for Not By Choice Outreach. The goal is based on the community sponsoring each runner who finished the 2013 TCS New York City Marathon. The quarters that are raised will help Not By Choice Outreach support their mission and also help to cover David’s costs to enter the marathon and to travel to NYC. To date, 23,735 quarters have been raised.
Dellifield is currently the Director of McIntosh Center at Ohio Northern University. He also provides pre-game music on the field for the ONU Football Team and is the announcer for the ONU Wrestling Team. He was also the faculty advisor Sigma Pi Fraternity and is a brother of Theta Chi. David is an alumni of Allen East HS, Ohio Northern University, and Bluffton University.
Dellifield’s family (wife, Jami, and two children, Nora, age 12, and Ian, age 10) will also be representing all caregivers on race day in NYC. They are confirmed volunteers at Mile 17 and will work an eight-hour shift and give water and encouragement to the runners as they pass by. They will join 12,000 other volunteers in showing their support on the course. Over one million others line the 26.2 miles to cheer the runners on.
Send Cancer on Run 2: All the Way to the Big Apple Event #2 will happen on Sunday, Oct. 26, from 2 until 4 p.m. Registration and apparel pick-up will begin at 1:30 p.m. in McIntosh Center at Ohio Northern University. This three-mile Fun Run/Walk around the sidewalks on Tundra is for all ages and abilities and will happen rain or shine. The “entry fee” for the event is a minimum of one quarter per participant, which will help meet the goal of raising one quarter for every finisher (50,266) of the 2013 TCS NYC Marathon.
Apparel (Nike DriFit and cotton short and long sleeved and hoodie sweatshirts) is for sale and will be available for pick-up at the event. All orders should be placed by Oct. 20 to insure delivery at the event. Orders should be placed through Sport-Tees in Kenton. Orders can be placed by calling 419-675-0034 or through the website, http://www.sport-tees.com/brands/Sending-Cancer-on-A-Run.html
All donations are tax deductible. Checks should be made payable to Not By Choice Outreach and sent to: Dellifield c/o Ready Set Grow Preschool, 4171 State Route 235 Unit B, Ada, Ohio 45810 or by visiting http://www.gofundme.com/dtz4lg.
To view the original article, visit http://www.adaherald.com/Content/News/Local-News/Article/Ada-resident-to-participate-in-TCS-New-York-City-Marathon-Opening-Ceremony/2/5/110322