Loyola announces Results of inaugural Ronald McDonald® Children's Hospital 5K Race/Walk

MAYWOOD, Ill. -- Approximately 1,300 runners, walkers, kids and characters gathered at Loyola University Medical Center for the inaugural Ronald McDonald Children’s Hospital® (RMCH) 5K Race/Walk and Children’s Character Competition on Sunday, June 10.

“The race was an overwhelming success. We registered more than double the amount of runners and walkers than we had expected,” said Patricia LeKacz, race director and a Loyola Children’s Committee member. “The generosity and support of our participants and volunteers will make a difference in the lives of our smallest patients who receive world-class care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit."

Friends of Loyola can still demonstrate their support for the race by visiting loyolamedicine5k.org. Race proceeds will be calculated later this week.
A complete list of race results are available at: http://www.theracershub.com/results_view.php?id=1682&result_type=file

The top male finishers included:

1. Lars Juhl
2. Damian Bendorz
3. Thomas Zero

The top female finishers were:

1. Eileen Skisak
2. Lisa Vander Veer
3. Valerie Laniosz

Winners of the team challenges included:

• 5K Team Fundraising Award: Team NICU
• 5K Team Award/Most Participants: Team Keira
• 5K Team Spirit Award: Team Liam

Surgery resident first Loyola employee to cross the finish line

Resident Bernardino Mendez, Department of Surgery, was the fastest Loyola employee to cross the finish line. He completed the race in 21 minutes and 17 seconds. Mendez, who served as captain of the Department of Surgery’s team, raised $1,565 for the NICU.

Visit http://www.theracershub.com/results_view.php?id=1683&result_type=file
to view the times of all of the teams.

About the NICU

Loyola University Medical Center has a Level-III perinatal center, which includes the NICU. More than 18,000 infants have been cared for in the NICU since it opened its doors in 1987. These patients have included the world’s smallest surviving baby, born at 9.2 ounces in 2004, and more than 3,000 newborns who have weighed less than 2 pounds. The overall survival rate of infants in LUHS’ NICU is 98 percent. The unit has become a national leader in neonatal care. This experience and knowledge allows Loyola to provide the highest level of care for high-risk infants.