Ready...Set...Volunteer!

Colleagues like Christine Hricak are ready to help at the Lehigh Valley Hospital Marathon for Via

As a high school student, Christine Hricak (right) headed to the LVH–Muhlenberg Summer Festival not for the crafts and rides, but for the experience. “I volunteered to sell plants and staff the book exchange,” she says.

It didn’t take long for the spirit of voluntarism to inspire her. “I love interacting with and helping others,” she says. “When you’re volunteering, you’re at your best, and people are grateful in return. It makes you feel good inside.”

Now a certified medical assistant with LVPG Diabetes and Endocrinology, Hricak has volunteered in numerous events, from handing out snow cones to children at a community function to participating in walks for various causes. Her latest adventure: volunteering for the Lehigh Valley Hospital Marathon for Via.

“While I like to work out at the gym, I’m not a marathon runner,” Hricak says. “But I’m excited to help out by volunteering. It only takes a few hours of your time, and your colleagues will be thrilled to hear you cheering them on.”

You can volunteer too. The marathon—which includes a 26.2-mile run and a 5k walk—takes place on Sunday, Sept. 7.

The course starts in downtown Allentown, winds through Bethlehem along the Lehigh River canal path and ends in downtown Easton. More than 300 volunteers are needed to:

• Set up the course
• Register walkers and runners
• Hand out cups of water and Gatorade to passing runners
• Direct runners through the course
• Assist with the 5k walk
• Provide medical support (CPR and emergency rescue techniques required)
• Cheer on participants (and alert medical staff if needed)
• Help park cars

All About Via
All proceeds from the marathon benefit Via of the Lehigh Valley. Via is a nonprofit organization that provides services for children and adults with developmental disabilities like autism, Down syndrome and mental retardation.

Serving the community since 1954, Via works with young children to identify and address disabilities, educates day cares so children with disabilities can learn with their peers, provides job coaching, training and placement, and helps individuals live and connect in the community.

“People with disabilities want to enjoy full lives within the community, just the same as everyone else,” says Via communications director Lisa Walkiewicz. “We help to provide that.”

To volunteer or to register to compete in the marathon, call 610-402-CARE. Network colleagues receive a 15 percent discount on registration.

—Matthew Burns

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