The streets of Saddle River are preparing for a milestone event this spring as the 15th Anniversary Susan Zabransky Hughes Memorial 5K Run/Walk returns on April 25.
The annual event, which takes place rain or shine, serves as a poignant tribute to Susan Zabransky Hughes, a Saddle River resident who passed away from cervical cancer in 2011 at the age of 46. Since its inception, the race has grown into a community pillar, turning personal loss into a powerful engine for medical innovation.
Organized by the all-volunteer “Run for Sue” Committee, led by Susan’s mother, Susan Zabransky, the initiative has raised more than $2.6 million since 2011. These funds have historically underwritten major health care projects across the Hackensack Meridian Health network, including:
- Susan’s Suite: A 10-bed inpatient unit at Hackensack University Medical Center.
- Medical Scholarships: Supporting the next generation of doctors at the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine.
- Kyle’s Teen Lounge: A specialized space at Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital built in memory of a local resident who fought osteosarcoma.
This year’s proceeds will directly benefit the Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation (CDI). The cervical cancer research program at CDI is led by Olivier Loudig, Ph.D., whose team works to rapidly translate scientific breakthroughs into life-saving clinical care.
“The philanthropic support we receive is not just a tribute to Susan’s legacy, but a vital investment in cervical cancer research—critical work that is changing lives and shaping the future of care,” Loudig said.
The urgency of the research is underscored by national health statistics. The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 13,490 new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year, claiming the lives of about 4,200 women.
The race supports the broader Be The Difference campaign, a transformational effort by the Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation to revolutionize patient care, discovery, and medical education throughout New Jersey.
The 5K is officially certified and sanctioned by USA Track & Field (USATF), making it a premier event for competitive runners and casual walkers alike.
- Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
- Location: Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Saddle River, NJ
- Format: 5K Run or Walk (Individual and Team registrations available)
- Registration: Participants and sponsors can sign up at GiveHMH.org/Zabransky5K.
“Although we love and miss Susan dearly, this race keeps her legacy alive and raises vital funds for a cause that’s dear to my heart,” added Susan Zabransky.
For those looking to make a difference in the fight against cancer while honoring a local legacy, the April 25 event offers a chance to join hundreds of neighbors in “running for Sue.”
