Last year on Thanksgiving morning over 700 residents of Amsterdam, NY and surrounding communities gathered at Shuttleworth Park to kick start their day by giving back. The Thanks4giving 5K Run/Walk was started in 2015 to offer the locals an option to gather together to support a cause close to home. This year the proceeds from the Thanks4giving 5K will again support Dr. Tom Catena's missionary work in the Nuba Mountains of Sudan.

Dr. Tom Catena, an Amsterdam native, is a hero. He's selfless. He is often referred to as "Jesus Christ". He is a living Saint. He is the only doctor in the Nuba Mountains serving over half a million people. On average, he sees about 400 patients a day. Dr. Catena works 24 hours a day 7 days a week, that's about 2,800 patients in a week. The patients he sees are often suffering from malaria, malnourishment, or injuries from bombing attacks. Often he doesn't even have electricity or running water to treat his patients.

That's only a slim portion of what he does for the natives in Sudan. With our help, he can do even more. By participating in the Thanks4giving 5K Run/Walk or donating, you are saving a life. The money raised will directly support the everyday operations of the Mother of Mercy Hospital. Last year, Dr. Tom Catena traveled from Sudan to witness what the community was doing to help him. He said that the money raised is also going to help send the locals to medical school and other training programs.

Last year the Thanks4giving 5K Run/Walk raised over $30,000. This year we hope to exceed that. It was such a fun morning with the community coming together to support such a great cause. If you attended last year, you know what it felt like to cross the finish line knowing how much of an impact the community was making for Dr. Tom Catena's efforts.

This year the event will take place at Shuttleworth Park on November 24th at 9 A.M. Registration and packet pick up starting at 7 A.M.

If you haven't already, sign up today for this year's Thanks4giving 5K Run/Walk. This year you can also join in by doing a 1-mile walk. You'll be starting off your day making a healthy choice for your heart; exercise and giving back. Together we can help make an even bigger impact in the Nuba Mountains, sign up and spread the word!

For up to date information about the Thanks4giving 5K Run/Walk or to find out how to register, visit the Facebook Event page by clicking here.

For more information about Dr. Tom Catena's efforts, click here.