Media Reviews

Kerry's come through
Race sparked community spirit 
Journal Tribune 3-18-1999

This seems a day late, given the clearly Irish roots of the family, but the Kerry's of Saco deserve some praise before the week is out. 

Last Sunday, they held their first Kerrymen Pub Road Race in seven years, and this time it was different. This time, the 4-mile race was a fund raiser and included a shorter walking event to honor the life and memory of Mary Kerry Libby, a sister and longtime walker who died of cancer in 1997. 

Money raised by participants and sponsors will go to cancer research. It will also help Sanford marathon runner Bryan Kuprewicz, who is in the middle of cancer treatment. 

Hundreds of runners and walkers attended, as did Kuprewicz and Libby's mother, Grace Kerry McNally. Preliminary estimates are that between $17,000 and $20,000 was raised.  The money is impressive. But even more impressive is the concern and energy that went into the event and the number of people willing to spend a chilly Sunday morning honoring people they might never have met. 

This event is proof that the sense of community hasn't moved out of York County, despite the presence of suburban development and a little urban-style crime. It's proof that when someone beloved is lost, or someone is in trouble, others will be willing to help.  And it's evidence that the Kerry and Libby families (Mary's husband is Gene Libby, former York County District Attorney) are a vital part of that community. They did us all a favor by cooking up this event.