Team Farrell Returns with Greater Numbers to River Edge Run

While the pain of losing a father and husband may never fully go away, the Farrell family in River Edge are once again organizing one of the largest groups of runners for the annual River Edge Run as Team Farrell and The Melanoma Research Foundation join forces to raise funds for melanoma research in memory of Stephen Farrell.

Farrell, who lost his fight with melanoma cancer in 2010, was a vibrant, active member of the community serving as a volunteer coach for the River Edge Recreation Basketball, AAU Basketball, River Dell Soccer, River Dell Blackhawks, River Edge Little League, Regal Basketball, and Softball teams. He was also president of the Farrell Media Group in River Edge.

"Last year we had over 200 people walking and running in memory of Steve," Maryann Farrell said. She added that this year's run will most likely surpass last year's number of team members. "I can't describe the feeling that so many would come out. It's a big deal and means so much to my children and myself. Their coaches, teachers, friends all come out."

Farrell was initially diagnosed with melanoma cancer in 1998 and at that point he fought to raise awareness and funds for melanoma research. In 2002, after his second bout with melanoma, he began the" Miles for Melanoma" program for the Melanoma Research Foundation when he ran in the NYC marathon.

"Steve was a courageous dad who fought the disease with a vengeance and vowed to continue the fight," Farrell said. "We are so excited to be able once again to get the community involved in raising awareness and funds for this terrible disease. I still hear people say “it’s just skin cancer” but melanoma is very deadly if not caught early."

Following his death, the Farrell's and members of the Blackhawks team took part in the Morristown Melanoma run but last year opted to do something closer to home due to his involvement in the borough's athletic programs.

During the 2012 Run, members from the high school soccer, lacrosse, wrestling and basketball teams all participated in memory of Farrell and in support of his children, Megan, Matthew, and Luke.

"It's a great wonderful day to see so many wearing Team Farrell t-shirts and bringing awareness," Farrell said. "Steve had a mole behind his ear that we thought was nothing. People have them and don't realize that melanoma can be very hard to cure. His came back in 2009 like so many cancers it goes away and then comes back."

Residents can donate to Team Farrell's Miles for Melanoma fundraising efforts here. To date, the team has raised approximately $5,525 toward melanoma research. In 2012, Team Farrell raised $17,476 for the Susan Fazio Foundation for Melanoma Research.

The River Edge Run 5K is scheduled for April 20 at 10am at Cherry Hill School. Team Farrell will have an information booth at the run about melanoma cancer, how to check for mole detections for yourself and how to talk to a dermatologist.

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