Join Us for the 2025 Steps For a Cure 5K in Honor of James DiGiovanna

📅 Date: Sunday, August 17, 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM
📍 Location: Heckscher State Park, 1 Heckscher Spur Dr, East Islip, NY 11730 — or participate virtually from anywhere!

About the Event

Lace up your sneakers and join us for the first annual Steps For a Cure 5K, honoring the incredible life and legacy of James DiGiovanna. Whether you’re running the paths of Heckscher State Park or logging miles in your hometown, you’ll be stepping toward a world without pancreatic cancer.

James was more than a community leader—he was “their Superman.” A beloved husband, firefighter, Ironman triathlete, car enthusiast, and founder of DiGiovanna Bros. Landscaping, James served with honor in the Great River Fire Department and Islip Town Fire Chiefs Council. After being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January 2023, he fought courageously until his passing in January 2024.

This 5K event—organized by the DiGiovanna family in partnership with Project Purple—celebrates James’ legacy and raises critical funds for early detection and research toward a cure.

👉 Register now to run or walk!

Why We Run

This event is more than just miles. It’s about saving lives. Your participation supports:
✔ Early detection research for pancreatic cancer
✔ Project Purple’s Patient Financial Aid Program, the nation’s leading resource for families battling this disease
✔ Spreading awareness across Long Island and beyond

Together, we move for the future—for those we’ve lost, those still fighting, and those yet to be diagnosed.

This 5K run and walk is in memory of James DiGiovanna. James was diagnosed in January 2023 with pancreatic cancer and unfortunately passed away from this terrible disease in January 2024. James was a proud Ex-Chief, Commissioner, and a member of the Great River Fire Department in Great River, NY. He was also a member of the Islip Town Fire Chiefs Council.

James was the proud founder and president of DiGiovanna Bros. Landscaping, Inc. He also served as a member of St. Mary’s Rosary Altar Society. James was a local hero, a triathlete, an accomplished Ironman, and a car enthusiast. He was “Their Superman.”

T-Shirt Information

Register by June 30th to receive your official event shirt for race day!

• Shirts will be available for in-person pickup or shipped for virtual participants.

• Note: We cannot guarantee on-time delivery in all cases due to potential shipping delays.

📢 Interested in Sponsoring the Event?

Local businesses and organizations are encouraged to join as sponsors. To learn more, contact us here!

Let’s come together—on Long Island and beyond—to remember James, raise awareness, and move toward a cure. 💜

👉 Register here!