Bay Shore cancer run/walk keeps mother's memory alive

A sea of people gathered Saturday in Bay Shore to run and walk in memory of Judi Shesh, a local preschool teacher who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2001.

It was the 10th anniversary of the event, dubbed the Judi Shesh Memorial 5k Run/Walk, which was held at the Great South Bay YMCA. It brought together Shesh's family, friends and others to raise money for breast cancer research and families affected by breast cancer.

Shesh's three daughters, Katie, 25, Hope, 22, and Emily, 20, were among those running and walking in her memory.

"It's overwhelming," Katie Shesh, of Bay Shore, said as she watched people cross the finish line. "It's so encouraging. It makes me feel hopeful that people care about this cause and want to find a cure."

More than 900 people - many dressed in bright pink shirts bearing Judi Shesh's name - turned out in support, according to Lisa Hoey of West Islip, one of the lead organizers.

Shesh, who taught at Great South Bay YMCA, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996 and went into remission for four years after treatments. When the cancer returned, Caitlin Moreira, a friend of Katie Shesh, came up with the idea for the run when Judi Shesh was still alive. Shesh, humbled and excited, suggested the money go toward breast cancer research. She died in April 2001, two months before the inaugural event.

In June 2001, the first observance started as a short walk from Bay Shore High School to around Brightwaters and drew about 200 participants. Each year, the number of people has grown, Hoey said.

Erik Chopin of West Islip, who won the third season of NBC's "The Biggest Loser," was among those running for Shesh.

"I know women who have been affected by this - it tears your heart out," Chopin said.

Money from the event has gone to several organizations, including the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, the Islip Breast Cancer Coalition, Local Families in Need and the Judi Shesh Memorial Scholarship.

Judi Shesh's sister, Joann Arnold, said the day reminded her of just how special her sister was.

"I'm always overwhelmed by the support and the amount of people who show up every year," she said.

Emily Shesh agreed.

"I want people to know that all of us continue to put this together because she was so amazing," she said.