ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – The Rochester River Run/ Walk 5K took to Genesee Valley Park on Sunday to raise money in support of patients at Strong Memorial Hospital who are awaiting or recovering from organ transplant surgery. People were able to take part as individual participants and as teams to p ledge their support during Donate Life Month. Hundreds of participants raced the five scenic kilometers along the Genesee River starting at 10:30 a.m. The track is certified by USA Track Field #NY15140KL. Award presentation will commence at 11:30 a.m. and a ceremony commemorating the memories of past donors and transplant recipients will begin at 11:45 a.m. Proceeds from the River Run will benefit transplant patients and living donors as they're commonly in need of emergency financial assistance while they await or recover from surgery. The University of Rochester's Solid Organ Transplant program serves hundreds of heart, liver, pancreas, and kidney patients from across Western New York, the Southern Tier, and beyond every year. Strong also provides ongoing care for patients who continue to return to Rochester for medical care related to their transplant. "Donor families and recipients brave challenges long after transplant," Nancy Metzler, transplant program administrator and an organizer of the Rochester River Run, said. "It`s important to help them as much as possible, and the proceeds from the Run allow us to provide a little extra assistance, which can make a big difference There is also a significant need for financial assistance to help patients on the waiting list afford the costly medical treatments required while they await a donor. More than $365,000 has been raised since the River Run/Walk first began in 2001. ...read more read less