ER Team Rucks 200 Miles
A team comprised of Cape Cod Hospital ER doctors and nurses participates in the annual Ruck4HIT, a Cape-wide run that raises money for veterans, service members and their families.
As Team ER Ruckers crossed the finish line last Saturday in Mashpee, they proudly wore long-sleeved black T-shirts with the words “Earned It” in all caps across the front and were greeted with loud cheers, clapping and cowbells.
These two simple, yet powerful words are the very definition of their incredible accomplishments.
A team of 12 runners, all Cape Cod Hospital ER doctors and nurses participated in the annual Ruck4HIT, a Cape-wide run, organized by Heroes in Transition, that helps raise money for veterans, service members and their families. The ER team also included two support runners and four van drivers. The 36-hour, 200-mile race goes from Falmouth to the Provincetown Monument and back again to Mashpee.
Each athlete laced up for two to four miles at a time, carrying a 20-pound rucksack on their back, averaging 20 to 26 miles total over the course of the run. The rucksack is symbolic of the burdens military and veterans carry and sacrifices they have made in service to our country.
“This year was awesome to run with friends and colleagues,” says Matt Lank, organizer of Team ER Ruckers. “Everyone was so strong physically and mentally. We powered through on no sleep, sore legs and team challenges. In previous years, I supported a team that was made up of members I was meeting for the first time. This year, I’ve known my team members for years and we can talk about RUCK and relive it over again.”
The ER Clinical Leader at Cape Cod Hospital, Matt says he was inspired to organize a team after participating as a Ruck4HIT support runner in previous years. The competition also resonated with him since his own father was a Vietnam War veteran. “He absolutely could have benefited from this as he suffered PTSD upon his return,” says Matt. “I have also discovered that many of my friends that served have been touched by and benefited from this organization. The best part is that all the money raised stays on the Cape and Islands.”
Heroes in Transition helps military veterans transition out of service life into civilian life. “It gives them back a sense of community, family and belonging,” says Matt.
After months of training and raising funds—and having some fun along the way— the ER team’s efforts paid off. They raised $19,000, the second-highest total among the 20 registered teams, thanks to the support of colleagues, family and friends.
“The rucksack. Living in the van. No sleep. It all adds to the torture,” jokes Matt.
Matt and his team are already planning on running it again next year.
For more information on Heroes in Transition and Ruck4HIT, visit heroesintransition.org
