M.E.L.T.-A-Thon Against Cancer

The 2nd m.e.l.t.-a-thon Against Cancer was held on Saturday, May 21, 2016 at Center Springs Park in Manchester. On a beautiful spring morning, over 125 m.e.l.t.ers came together for a great workout and a terrific cause – raising money to help cancer patients in Connecticut! Together, they raised over $37,500, which will be used to provide financial aid for CT cancer patients, especially the event’s Ambassador, Daniel Therriault. Dan was diagnosed with bone cancer in February and by the m.e.l.t.-a-thon, he had had surgery to replace his knee and his upper thigh bone, as well as several rounds of chemo. The m.e.l.t.-a-thon Against Cancer will help Dan and many other cancer patients in CT.

The day was almost impossibly beautiful and the m.e.l.t. team, led by owner and creator, Joe Carabase, built an obstacle course that was both fun and challenging with stations like the tire flip, sled push, and the sandbag lunge. And of course, there was a station with burpees!

At the start of the event, Dan’s father, Howie Therriault, who was visibly moved by the support, gave an emotional thank you. Dave Carmody was our top fundraiser, followed by Terri Eickel in second place, and Jennah Clatterbuck in third place. Jennah led her team to the top fundraiser prize, as well – Team WH raised almost $4,000! Thank you so much to all of you for your leadership in making this event a success!

All along the course, m.e.l.t. instructors Aaron Granahan, Zack Nagle, Ashton Sills, Kelly Gilhooley, Jessica Hussey, Mike Hickey, Mike McClain, Leighann Clark, Kena Perry, Barb Bartlett, Mary Ransom, Brittany Schon, Shannon Michaels, Connor Clark, and Joe Carabase cheered participants on, inspiring them to give their all and be their best. People completed the m.e.l.t.-a-thon course, sweaty but smiling, and refueled at the Panera Bread tent, where Panera was providing free refreshments for the event.

It is always inspiring when a group of good-hearted people come together to help others and the m.e.l.t.-a-thon Against Cancer was no exception. On behalf of our Steering Committee, we would like to issue a huge thank you to all team captains and m.e.l.t.ers – without you, we couldn’t help all the CT cancer patients that we assist each year. We would also like to thank our generous sponsors, including m.e.l.t gym, Northeast Contractors, Inc, New England Liner Systems, Panera Bread, United Steel, Community Cancer Care, ENCON, Massey’s Plate Glass & Aluminum, D’Amato Construction, First Hartford Realty Corp, Metro Realty Corp, Mechanical Plumbing and Heating, Landmark Café, and Highland Park Market.