Runners and Tellico Village residents in costumes filled the streets of the Kahite neighborhood Saturday morning to participate in the second annual Monster Dash 5K race held by the American Cancer Society.

The event was originally set for Oct. 28, but weather pushed it back. The race also featured inflatables and a costume contest.

“We had a lot of success last year with the first Monster Dash, so we felt the need to hold it again this year,” Angela Mathis, ACS Mid-South Division and Relay For Life senior community manager, said. “It’s a great opportunity for all kinds of people to come out, raise money against cancer and just have fun. We had to postpone it last week because of inclement weather, but we’re glad we did because this was a much better day for it.”


Because of her involvement with Relay For Life, Mathis saw an opportunity to branch off another race specifically for Tellico Village.

“We have the Relay For Life in a joint effort between the Loudon and Monroe communities every year,” Mathis said. “However, we decided to make this race a feeder for that event. Last year, we had so much support from Kahite residents and neighbors. I’m also a resident of Tellico Village and there are just so many people that are giving.

“There’s a lot of people in the community that have been touched by cancer,” she added. “We had several people that couldn’t participate in the race, but sent in donations with letters. That really gave me a warm feeling that so many people around here care and want to raise money and awareness for such a cause as this.”

Rene Curtis traveled from Oak Ridge to participate in honor of her sister-in-law who had a double mastectomy due to breast cancer. Curtis is also a cancer survivor.

“I really enjoyed running in this because I’ve personally been touched by cancer,” Curtis said. “But also, I really enjoyed the endurance of seeing other people care about so many others that have been or still are affected by this disease. They call it the Monster Dash because they encourage runners to dress up in Halloween costumes, but really, we’re racing to defeat a real monster — cancer.”

Matt Deaton and his family also enjoyed the challenge and meaning of the race.

“This was a really fun race to take part in,” Deaton said. “Last week, we did the Vonore Heritage Museum’s race, but this one was a little more challenging. But of course, this was for a great cause. My wife’s grandmother and aunt both died of cancer. My grandfather died of cancer, so to be able to support that cause is extra special. We like to run to stay in shape, of course, but it’s great that this means so much more to us.”

Money raised from the race will go toward research in finding a cure for cancer.

“We cannot fund our mission without fundraising,” Mathis said. “Most of our money does go to research because we’re trying to find a cure, but we also have a lot of services, including our Hope Lodges where patients can stay for free. We have a lot of support with transportation for patients, as well as wigs and other things for cancer patients.”

Studies from the American Cancer Society show that one in two men and one in three women have the risk of developing cancer in their lifetime.

“Those are scary, but very real statistics right now,” Mathis said. “It’s important for people, especially those up in age, to have regular checkups and to consult with their doctors. The sooner it’s spotted, the easier treatment can be in most cases.”

Mathis said her passion for fighting cancer has come through personal experience.

“What drives me to continue to raise money for the American Cancer Society is because I see firsthand how many people and their families go through cancer,” she said. “Personally, my mother is going through treatment now. She was diagnosed in June with pancreatic cancer and she is on her fourth cycle now. I can’t wait to be there when she will be able to ring the bell for her last treatment. It’s something I will continue to fight against.”

For more information about the American Cancer Society and donations, visit online at www.cancer.org.