13th Annual Laurel Run

The inaugural Laurel Run Spirit Award was presented posthumously to Eric Mackowiak.

Eric had participated in The Resource Center’s Dunkirk Work Center and Day Habilitation programs, and he had lived in TRC’s home on Water Street in Fredonia until February 2008, when it was discovered he had cancer. Eric went to Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, and with the expert care he received there, the love of his family and his own determination, he recovered. He was able to return to the Work Center in September, and he was doing well until earlier this year when the cancer came back with a vengeance. This time, Eric could not overcome his illness, and he passed away May 18. He was 34 years old.

Eric enjoyed participating in Laurel Run every year. He’d start getting excited a few months beforehand, wondering what color the shirts would be each year.

Eric’s family looks at the plaque given posthumously to Eric.

Eric would help out with Laurel Run, filling the goodie bags given to walkers and runners, and coming to the event to cheer on the competitors and take part in the festivities. When learning to use a computer, Eric would visit the Laurel Run web site, looking at pictures from past years to see how many people he could recognize.

In 2007, Eric decided he wanted to attempt the Laurel Run 5-kilometer walk. At the time, he was good for short bursts of energy, but he became winded on longer walks. So in the months preceding Laurel Run, he went for walks around his neighborhood to build his endurance. He got very excited about participating in Laurel Run, and he would tell his plans to anyone who would listen. Eric’s excitement grew as the event got closer. He talked about Laurel Run and about how much he liked Laurel (who worked with him in the Work Center), and he would laugh with pleasure.

Eric also made a sign in honor of his big undertaking. On the day of Laurel Run, Eric came to Silver Creek with his homemade sign, proudly wearing his Laurel Run shirt.

Eric holds the sign he made for the 2007 Laurel Run.

He registered for the event, then took his place alongside the other participants for the start of the 5k walk. During the walk, Eric enjoyed looking around to see who was nearby. Eric completed the walk in 1 hour, 5 minutes and to cheer him as he finished.

Eric was proud of his accomplishment and had wanted to take part in the 2008 Laurel Run, but his cancer prevented him from doing that. With his return to the Work Center last fall, it was hoped Eric would be well enough to tackle the 5k walk at this year’s Laurel Run, but then the cancer returned and claimed his life.

Eric’s experience at the 2007 Laurel Run inspired the Planning Committee to create the “Laurel Run Spirit Award,” which will be given annually to an individual with a disabling condition who demonstrates grit, dedication and determination by participating in Laurel Run. The inaugural award was presented to Eric; his family was on hand to accept the plaque, which included an image of Eric holding the sign he made for the 2007 Laurel Run.

We miss Eric, and by presenting the Laurel Run Spirit Award each year, we hope to honor him as well as everyone else with a disability who strives to rise above his or her physical challenges and participate in Laurel Run, while at the same time exhibiting Eric’s joy at being involved in the event.

If interested in making a donation to TRC Foundation and Laurel Run in honor of Eric, click here.