A freaky day in Wantagh

John Theissen 5K run set for Sunday

Posted
Hundreds of runners are expected to fill Wantagh’s streets during the annual Freaky 5K run, sponsored by the John Theissen Children’s Foundation.
Hundreds of runners are expected to fill Wantagh’s streets during the annual Freaky 5K run, sponsored by the John Theissen Children’s Foundation.
Leslie Martin/Herald

Things are about to get a little freaky in Wantagh. 

Hundreds of residents from Wantagh, Seaford and surrounding communities are expected to fill the streets near the John Theissen Children’s Foundation Family Fun Center this Sunday. The center will host the eighth annual Freaky 5K run — a Halloween-season institution in the community that raises funds for the organization.

The race will start behind the Family Fun Center, at 1881 Wantagh Ave., loop onto Park Avenue and continue down the backstreets of Wantagh, finishing in the parking lot behind the center.

The event will also feature the Trick-or-Treat Trot, a quarter-mile race for children. Participants in both races are encouraged to embrace the Halloween spirit and run in costume.

“I’m working so hard to make this event great,” Theissen said. “I’m just taking it day by day.”

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

When Theissen was 17, he learned he had a brain tumor. During his hospitalization, 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. At the party, each child was allowed to make one request of the visiting Santa Claus. Tasha asked him to give John a teddy bear.

For 25 years, her generous spirit has been the foundation’s inspiration. 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.

Theissen said he hoped to raise as much money as possible at the race on Sunday. Last year the Freaky 5K raised $11,000 for the foundation. But most important, he explained, he hoped children and their families would have a fun, safe day in Wantagh.

“The proceeds from this event help children with cancer right here on Long Island by providing special gifts and granting wishes,” Theissen said. “Every dollar makes a difference.”

This year’s race is even more meaningful for local supporters who helped Theissen last spring, when the Family Fun Center was almost forced to close because of rising rent. Businesses and community members rallied to raise $150,000 for the foundation and helped keep the center open.

“Growing up in Wantagh and having continued support from those who live here has been incredible,” Theissen said.

Julie Mansmann contributed to this story