Residents race to Theissen Freaky 5K

Winnie the Pooh, Thor and a hot dog were among the colorful participants in the John Theissen Children’s Foundation’s annual Freaky 5K on Oct. 23. Runners donning such costumes raced through Wantagh streets for the cause. 

The race started behind the Family Fun Center, at 1881 Wantagh Ave.  The event also featured the Trick-or-Treat Trot — a quarter mile race for children. Participants in both races were encouraged to embrace the Halloween spirit and run in costume. 

Nicolos Filippazzo, of  Wantagh, won the race; he finished in 14 minutes and 51 seconds.  Jen Dagan, of Centereach, was the first female finisher in 17:53. 

Proceeds collected from the 5K will benefit the JTCF, which Theissen, of Wantagh, founded in 1992. Inspired by his experiences in the hospital, the group’s initial goal was to bring toys to sick and underprivileged children in medical and childcare facilities.

When Theissen was 17, he found out he had a brain tumor. During his hospitalization stay, he befriended a girl named Tasha. She lacked a strong support system and rarely had visitors. 

The Theissen family cared for Tasha and accompanied her to the yearly children’s hospital holiday party, even though John couldn’t attend because of his own illness. During the party, Tasha used her one request to Santa Claus on John; she wished he had a teddy bear. 

Her generous spirit was the inspiration behind the foundation. Since 1992, volunteers and members of the JTCF have collected more than 920,000 new toys, in addition to contributing therapeutic and recreational equipment to children in need.

Members of the organization said they were grateful for the Wantagh and surrounding communities’ support of fundraisers like the Freaky 5K. They offered all children who participated in the Trick-or-Treat Trot a medal and goody bag, and the first 700 registrants for the 5K were given long-sleeved running shirts. Attendees also had the chance to win dozens of prizes, including iPads, iPods, concert tickets, gaming systems and more.