Take Steps to Save Lives on October 6, 2019 in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia.
(*Roll your wheelchair or stroller, too!)

Don't miss this exciting Philly event featuring a live DJ, pre-race warm-up & stretch, a professional announcer, one-of-a-kind ECAN event gear.

To make sure everyone gets the most out of their 5K experience, ECAN has adapted the popular Couch to 5K training program. We'll be with you every step of the way as you prepare for the event. Whether it's your first 5K or you haven't run in a while - we have a plan and a community to support you as you get ready!

We promise an amazing time with friends, family, neighbors, co-workers and other charitable individuals like yourself who are willing to take STEPS to SAVE LIVES!

FUN FOR EVERYONE: All abilities | Chip Timed | Awards for Top Finishers | Awards for Top Fundraisers

Prizes for Reaching Fundraising Goals | Medals for All Finishers!

View the Course Map Here

Meet Matt & Jen Sweeney, Co-Chairs of Steps to Save Lives Philly 2019

A husband and father of two young children, Matt Sweeney had experienced heartburn for most of his life. But in the fall of 2017, it seemed worse, like something wasn't right. After the prescription for heartburn meds that his doctor provided didn't help, Matt and his wife Jen pushed for further testing. In December 2017, Matt was diagnosed with Stage III Esophageal Cancer. He was 41 years old.

Early the next year, Matt began grueling chemoradiation treatment at Jefferson Hospital that lasted for six weeks. Then, on May 2, 2018, he underwent an esophagectomy, radical surgery to remove his esophagus and pull up his stomach. By June, Matt was well enough to drive his kids to school. In August of 2018, he began participating in a yearlong clinical trial at the Fox Chase Cancer Center that is studying immunotherapy.

On October 14, 2018, he participated in the ECAN Steps to Save Lives 5K at Fairmount Park as part of the Fox Chase team. For the pre-cancer Matt, that wouldn't have meant much. He had run in a marathon and regularly took ten miles runs prior to his diagnosis. But finishing the Steps to Save Lives 5K was an achievement. And he's built on that. He's back to running regularly - not ten miles yet - but good, long distances.

His motivation for chairing this year's ECAN 5K? Matt wants to do what he can to make sure other patients in his shoes can go the distance and be there for their families as he is today. Fighting Esophageal Cancer through awareness and advocacy can make that happen, either by preventing those at risk from developing cancer by catching it early or supporting the search for effective, new treatments that can help them travel a healthy, long road in the future.

Steps to Save Lives Philly

Rachel Loeb

Steps to Save Lives Philly (#SAVELIVESPHILLY5K)

Steps to Save Lives Philly

Rachel Loeb

Steps to Save Lives Philly (#SAVELIVESPHILLY5K)

Rachel Loeb's Page