Volunteers

Jim, Linda, Megan and Ryan Hayman celebrate Megan's York College graduation.

We all volunteer.

Race 4 Linda began in 2014 to honor the memory of Linda Hayman. The race is managed by Linda's daughter Megan, her son Ryan, husband Jim and daughter-in-law Lauren. Many friends and family volunteer all year long to make this event happen.

We are proud to be an all-volunteer operation that raises Scleroderma research funds for the Scleroderma Foundation, Delaware Valley Chapter.

Join us!

If you'd like to volunteer to help out on the course on race day, please contact us.

Megan, Race Director

My mother was the strongest woman I have ever met. After watching her suffer for years, and almost keeping it a secret, I felt a calling to honor her in a way that also reached a goal: finding a cure. I did not feel that many people knew about the disease, and I wanted another way to raise funds for research to find a cure. We were raising money through the Scleroderma Foundation's annual walks, but I felt that my mother's memory and the people still suffering from this disease deserved more. I am a runner myself, so I figured a 5K would be a great way to reach more people. My goal for this day is to bring everyone together and educate them about the disease, exercise by running a 5K or doing the 1 mile fun walk, and to have fun as a community! Thank you to everyone who has helped me in honoring my mother with this event.

Alyssa

I had never heard of Scleroderma before I met my friend, Megan. When she shared the story of what her mother went through living with this disease, I knew I had to do whatever I could to get involved. To lose a parent, or anyone close to you, so young is unimaginable. My hope with my involvement is that Race 4 Linda will help raise awareness of Scleroderma and keep Linda’s memory alive.

Charity

Race 4 Linda 5K is important to me because I want to see our local communities and the people in them grow in a positive way. I love being connected to a cause that helps people with their health and well-being. I find it very fulfilling giving my time and resources to help others in need. I have a lot of fun working alongside of many other like-minded people.
I started helping with the race because Megan Hayman is a good friend of mine and I care about her and her family. I keep doing it each year because our event brings the community together and I know how much good it is doing to benefit others.

Ethan

Meeting Megan and getting to know the rest of the Hayman family exposed me to this amazing event. It has been a joy and an honor to witness and then contribute to this coming together of family and community for a common goal. I have been to many races that raise money for various good causes; however, this one is unique. I too was unaware of Scleroderma and the awful reality of its aftermath, but through involvement in Race 4 Linda, I have learned, and year after year, witness others learning as well. This event is a treasure for the local community, and the local community is in turn, a treasure for this event. I was never able to meet Linda, but I believe that there is no better way to honor her than through this event.

Jim

Years ago, after Linda’s passing, we, as a family would get involved with the annual Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma at John Rudy Park in York. It was and still is a great event. And then Megan said to the Foundation, "Maybe we should have a run or walk for Linda, to support the Foundation," and it all came to be. The Race 4 Linda has grown each year ever since then. I love being involved with this team of volunteers. Thanks to all for everything you do for this cause.

Julia

I became acquatinted with the Hayman family through a mutual friend. This cause is very near and dear to me as I have Scleroderma. Not many people are aware of Scleroderma and the havoc it claims on one’s body. I used to be a marathon runner, and that has been over for several years. I don’t have a Team Julie, but will be there on race day!

Kathy

I have had the pleasure of being involved with the Race 4 Linda since the beginning. Megan Hayman, my dear friend, asked me to be a part of the organizing committee, and I was more than happy to join the group and promote Scleroderma awareness. I really wasn’t familiar with Scleroderma and it was eye-opening to learn about symptoms, challenges and ongoing research for the disease. I have been in charge of the raffle for the race and we love having the prizes, as well as education, exercise and food as part of our charity event. Having the opportunity to be involved with the Race 4 Linda has helped me to support Megan and work with an outstanding group of people. Each year of the event has been more successful than the last…we are proud of our journey!

Kristen

I met Megan and her family through my husband, Tucker. At the time, I did not know what Scleroderma was; nor did I understand its devastating effect on one's immune system. Though I never had the opportunity to meet Linda, there are so many stories and photos that have been recounted from both Megan and her family. My husband and I decided to get involved with Race 4 Linda because we wanted to help out a great friend, educate the community, and raise money for more research into this debilitating disease.

Lauren

Linda is my children’s Angel Grandma. I most remember her fiery spirit, fierce love for her family and her hope for a brilliant future. Her life and her attitude have inspired me to help Scleroderma patients have that same hope for the future. Raising funds for research is the best way that I know how to make that happen. I think this event is something she would have looked forward to: a time for families and friends to enjoy each other in a party atmosphere. I hope you enjoy our unique Scleroderma Research fundraiser as much as she would.

Laurie

I help out with the Race 4 Linda through my connection with Linda’s daughter, Megan. I work with Megan at the Hershey Middle School. I also have had many other friends that have dealt with Scleroderma as well as served on other committees for races and triathlons.

Ryan

Scleroderma is a rare and mostly unknown disease, but its symptoms are devastating to patients and their families. When Mom passed, we knew we needed to do something to honor her legacy and remember the fight she put up for so many years while living with the disease. This race raises funds for research which is so important for this under-observed disease, but the part that is most important to me is the community this event has created. So many patients attend the race every year, and we are here to show them support and let them know we know what they are going through. The money is important, but the shoulder to lean on that this event represents is even more vital.

Tim

Megan and I followed each other through York College as Education majors. We both graduated with degrees in education and currently have successful careers in the field. That is one of the reasons I am so grateful to be a part of the Course Committee for Race 4 Linda. Race 4 Linda, lead by the Hayman family, is not only a compassionate group of individuals brought together for one cause, but they use the event as a means to bring attention to a disease that is in need of community awareness and education.