(R-L) Dane Duval, CTRF Executive Director; Bill La Fortune, Tulsa Mayor, and Martin.

Martin with Tulsa Amateur Radio Club member, Gregg Wonderly, W5GGW.

Watch Martin Begin His Run Requires Windows Media Player

The Run Has Begun!

April 9: It was a chilly, but sunny morning, CTCA staff, physicians, patients and friends joined Martin in the hospital’s Northwest Lobby to kick off the Celebrate Life Run. Local sportscaster Jason Shackelford, KJRH (NBC-Tulsa), emceed the festivities, which included a brief address by Tulsa's Mayor Bill LaFortune.

“Mr. Berkofsky, you are an inspiration to all of us,” LaFortune said. “Thank you for doing what you are doing.”

Martin then delighted the audience by performing another classical piano piece – after which the crowd donned birthday hats, sang “Happy Birthday” and blew party noisemakers to launch the Celebrate Life Run. Afterall, it was Martin's 60th birthday

Several members of CTCA’s staff – as well as Mayor LaFortune – joined Martin for the first leg of his journey. By the end of the day, it was “10 miles down…850 to go!”