Saddle River February 8, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 7 April Memorial Run to help fund ‘Susan’s Suite’ When Susan Zabransky Hughes of Saddle River lost her battle with cervical cancer in July 2011 at age 46, her survivors wanted to find a way to remember this avid marathoner, hiker, and cook. Those who knew Zabransky Hughes decided to raise money to build “Susan’s Suite,” a dedicated treatment center for cancer patients at the Emergency Trauma Department at Hackensack University Medical Center. Bob Hughes explained that his wife had been treated at HUMC’s John Theurer Cancer Center. While he waited with her in the emergency room on several occasions, he saw the need for an emergency treatment area that would be dedicated to the needs of cancer patients. The goal, he said, is to have a 10-bed, cancer-only emergency room with its own staff and private rooms to streamline the treatment effort. “It’s a wonderful tribute to my wife, but this will benefit anyone with cancer,” Hughes said. A sum of $1 million has been pledged to the hospital, he added, noting that fundraising efforts are now under way to help cover the cost. Friends of the family, headed by Cindy King, are now organizing the Susan Zabransky Hughes Memorial Run, a 5K Family Run/Walk set for April 28. The event will be held at the Saddle River Firehouse, 100 East Allendale Road in Saddle River, at 8:30 a.m. The course will be USATF certified. The day will begin with the 5K Family Run/Walk, which is being sponsored by The Friends of Hackensack University Medical The Saddle River Valley Cultural Center will present “The Three Little Pigs, Red Riding Hood, and Other Tales” on Feb. 11 at 3 p.m. The 45-minute puppet show follows the adventures of Mr. Wolf, and features Three Little Pigs, Br’er Rabbit, Red Riding Hood, and the Three Billy Goats Gruff. The center is located at 305 West Saddle River Road in Upper Saddle River. On March 3 at 3 p.m., “The Rainbow Fish,” will come alive on stage. This musical adventure follows the Rainbow Fish as she struggles with the decision to share her beautiful scales. This program will be held at the Old Stone Church Educational Building, 500 East Saddle River Road in Upper Children’s theater programs offered Saddle River. Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day, March 17, at 1 p.m. with traditional Irish dancing and live music. The McLoughlin School of Dance will entertain at the cultural center. Attendees will be invited to learn a few steps and pose for photos with the dancers. On March 25 at 3 p.m., the public is invited to “Robin Hood.” This performance, which is suitable for children age seven years old and up, will be held at the cultural center. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door; v isit www.SRVCC.org. For information, call (201) 825-3366 or e-mail office@SRVCC.org. Susan Zabransky Hughes Center Foundation, the Borough of Saddle River, and the Hughes and Zabransky families. Post-race activities for children and families will include an awards ceremony and refreshments at the finish located at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church. Online registration is encouraged. Fees will be $25 per entry, and the cost will rise to $30 day of race. Raised in Upper Saddle River, Zabransky Hughes was an avid runner. In 2006, she completed her second New York City Marathon. Friends said she smiled her way through the race, which she ran to raise money for cancer patients. A friend remembered Zabransky Hughes as a beautiful, bright, and devoted wife and mother of two who embraced life and saw every day as an adventure. Zabransky Hughes enjoyed hiking, and she and her dog often explored Ramapo Reservation. She was active with the Wandell School Education Foundation, Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Saddle River, and Pony Power in Mahwah. She spent many hours volunteering to help children and members of her community. For more information, or to make a donation, visit www.humcfoundation.com.