Rockville Centre residents ran in Strides for Life

On Aug. 15, the Lung Cancer Research Foundation hosted its 5th Annual Strides for Life 3-mile fun run/walk around Lake Agawam in Southampton. A record 1,100 people turned out to enjoy the gorgeous weather, bond with friends and family and raise funds for critical lung cancer research. Rockville Centre resident Joe Buckheit and fellow lung cancer survivor Joey Smith cut the ribbon to start the race with the event’s mistress of ceremonies and "Good Day NY" host Rosanna Scotto, who was busy cheering on the crowd.

Buckheit ran in the race along with over 50 friends and family. Their team, “The Buckheit Brigade,” were clad in bright blue t-shirts.

The Rockville Center resident was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2004 and the disease metastasized to his brain in 2007, but he said since undergoing treatment, he’s been healthy. Buckheit’s cancer was discovered during pre-surgical testing for a hernia operation and because he had no symptoms, were it not for that testing, he would not have discovered he had cancer until much later. In 2005, friends of Buckheit’s put together a team to compete in the race in his honor, and they’ve been attending ever since.

“A couple of years ago, I did this race right after I had brain radiation,” he said. “I think I finished dead last. There was a cop car right behind me and they kept saying, ‘Get into the car,’ but if I had to crawl across the finish line, I was going to get there.”