5K Walk/Run for Global Health
NESTT/New England Survivors of Torture and Trauma

Karen Fondacaro and Patrick Giantonio, co-founders of New England Survivors of Torture and Trauma (NESTT)
Karen Fondacaro and Patrick Giantonio, co-founders of New England Survivors of Torture and Trauma (NESTT)
On Sunday, October 17, 2010 the first annual "5K walk/run for global health" was held at the Gutterson Field House at the University of Vermont to raise awareness and funds for survivors of torture and trauma in our community.

RaceVermont.com and Shelburne Health and Fitness hosted the run in partnership with the New England Survivors of Torture and Trauma (NESTT) program, including the Behavior Therapy and Psychotherapy Center's Connecting Cultures program and Vermont Immigration and Asylum Advocates.

Participating organizations included

Food and refreshments were provided following the race. 131 people registered for the walk/run and approximately 160 participated in the overall event

The UVM Varsity Womens' Swim Team and Coach Gerry Cournoyer volunteered time during the event and helped with all aspects of the race.

Burlington Mayor Bob Kiss and Susan Sussman, staff member in U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy's office, spoke prior to the event on behalf of refugees, immigrants and Asylum seekers in our State. Mayor Kiss ran in the 5K as well. Karen Fondacaro and Patrick Giantonio,Co-Founders of NESTT, also spoke on behalf of refugees, immigrants and asylum seekers.

Karen Fondacaro writes...

Karen Fondacaro with Jacob, Director/ President of the Association of Africans Living in Vermont (AALV) and Abdulahi of the Somali Bantu Association of Vermont
Karen Fondacaro with Jacob, Director/ President of the Association of Africans Living in Vermont (AALV) and Abdulahi of the Somali Bantu Association of Vermont
Since 1980 when President Jimmy Carter signed the Refugee Act into law Vermont has become home to greater than 5,000 refugees from numerous countries.

These individuals have endured:

On behalf of the NESTT program Patrick Giantonio and I would like to take a moment to thank and recognize some of the participating organizations in Vermont who are committed to encouraging healthy and meaningful lives for refugees, immigrants and asylum seekers.

Run/Walk for Global health Flyer
Run/Walk For Global Health Flyer