Contact: David Castillo 277-5808 Kim Feldman 277-5808 Media Contact: Carolyn Gonzales 277-5920

November 25, 2002 SILVER CITY NATIVE RUNS TO RAISE MONEY FOR YOUNG CANCER PATIENTS David Castillo, a 1998 graduate of Silver City High School, and an athletic training student at the University of New Mexico College of Education, was recently the top fundraiser in the third annual "Run for Relief," an event sponsored by UNM's athletic community to raise funds for families of children victimized by cancer. Castillo, son of Pete Castillo and Teresa Moreno of Silver City, raised $460 of the total $1,600 pledged. He also ran 20 miles, the most for an individual runner. "Twenty miles isn't a lot for me," he said with a smile. The UNM Student Lettermen's Association has sponsored "Run for Relief" the past three years. Castillo has participated in each. Castillo ran track and cross country at Silver City High School. "I come from a background in running, so it isn't difficult for me," he said. He has also participated in the Duke City Marathon the last three years, placing second this year in the 19-25 age bracket, and in the top 10 percent by coming in 30th overall of 300+ runners. "It feels good to be able to participate in this community service event to benefit people in a meaningful way," Castillo said. He will graduate in December and plans to go to physical therapy school at UNM. The Student Lettermen's Association solicited participation from 38 student athletes, including from the swimming and diving team, women's soccer, men's tennis, track, cross country, ski team and cheer squad. The swim team, with $432, ran a close second to Castillo in dollars raised. Women's soccer ran the most miles, 66, just one mile ahead of the swim team. "The Student Lettermen's Association has been putting funds into the Santa Fe Community Foundation for the past four years. This spring the lettermen will be looking to disperse some of the funds to those in need," said Kim Feldman, director of the Alumni Lettermen's Association. They will turn to social workers and others to identify patients at Children's Hospital, Carrie Tingley or Pediatric Oncology, said Feldman. "Those facilities serve the state, are affiliated with UNM and make a good match with our lettermen's group," she said. "We may pay airfare to send a family to be with a child who must travel out of state for treatment, groceries for the family, pay overdue bills, whatever the greatest need," said Feldman. # # #

The University of New Mexico
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