Official Blog of the American Red Cross Eastern New York Region

Halloween will look a little different in the Madison County Village of Canastota this year as firefighters, burn survivors, families, first responders and community members come together for an event that combines fitness, fellowship and a powerful cause.

Led by Race Director John Minnick, a Blood Collections Supervisor for the American Red Cross, and Assistant Race Director Connie Wheatley, a Blood Transportation Program Specialist, the Burn Run has grown into an event that brings together people from many different parts of the community.

More Than a Race

Minnick has been a volunteer firefighter for 30 years, giving him firsthand experience with the physical demands and responsibilities of the fire service. His experience also connects directly to the original purpose of the Burn Run.

According to John, the first Burn Run was created specifically to assist firefighters with their health and physical fitness. The event was later opened to everyone because the benefits of becoming more physically fit extend beyond the fire service.

As the event continued to evolve, its connection to the burn community also grew. The Burn Run became involved with the Burn Foundation of Central New York and The Clark Burn Center at Upstate University Hospital. The Burn Foundation was developed to support the Burn Center and sponsors Camp Triumph.

Today, firefighters continue to bring that original spirit of fitness and service to the event, with many running the course in full, heavy turnout gear. Burn survivors and their families, first responders, medical professionals, athletes, walkers and community members now join them, turning what began as a firefighter-focused event into a community-wide effort supporting burn survivors and their families.

Supporting Camp Triumph

At the heart of the Burn Run is Camp Triumph. The race specifically benefits the camp, which is 100 percent supported by the Burn Run.

Camp Triumph serves pediatric burn survivors and their siblings, ages 5 through 18, from across New York State. Each year, children and their families come together at Beaver Camp in Lowville for an experience where they can connect with others who understand the challenges of living with burn injuries.

Camp Triumph is staffed by adult burn survivors and first responders, including firefighters and paramedics, along with hospital personnel, specialized nurses, social workers and others who understand the unique needs of burn survivors and their families.

A Red Cross Connection

The Burn Run also has a strong connection to the Red Cross through employees and volunteers who participate in and support the event. Several Red Cross participants are registered for the event. Additionally, volunteers will be on hand to staff an information table on Red Cross programs and services and volunteer opportunities in Eastern New York as well as hand out Red Cross swag to participants and community members.

John Minnick (right) with Red Cross volunteers Doug North and Bobbie Krukowski at the 2024 Burn Run.

Red Cross Disaster Action Teams respond to hundreds of home fires across Eastern New York each year to provide immediate emergency assistance to displaced residents and to help guide them through long-term recovery. As Community Disaster Program Manager Susan Pope explains, “We work with families that experience home fires and sometimes that includes household members who suffer burn injuries.”

Every Blood Donation Can Make a Difference

The connection to the Red Cross also provides an opportunity to highlight another important way people can help: donating blood.

Donations may be needed by people undergoing cancer treatment, patients recovering from burns and other accidents, individuals living with long-term or chronic conditions, and people experiencing traumatic injuries or other medical emergencies.

A New Course and a Community Tradition

This year’s Burn Run will feature a new course along the Erie Canal. The event has been approved as a New York State Parks event, adding another distinctive element to this year’s race.

Whether participants come to run, walk, support a family member, cheer on a firefighter in turnout gear, learn about emergency preparedness, enjoy the Halloween festivities or simply support Camp Triumph, there is a place for everyone at the Burn Run.

By Content Creation Team Member Stephen Bogdan