Avon: Nakon Turkey Dash gets bigger every year

AVON -- Just over seven years ago, Matt Nakon lost his wife, Karen P. Nakon, to breast cancer. After Karen's death, he started the Nakon Foundation which, after seven years, has become a much bigger deal.

The Nakon Foundation has raised more than $300,000 in its short existence, all through a grassroots effort.

The Karen P. Nakon Turkey Dash has gotten bigger every year, starting out with 90 participants originally to an estimated 1,400 today.

It's grown so rapidly that they out grew the Red Tail Golf Club and had to move to Avon High School.

While Karen Nakon was being treated for breast cancer, her family noticed that people were making treatment decisions based on economics.

The Turkey Dash is a fundraiser for people to help other people.

Matt Nakon says, "There is no better tribute than to see people continually come out and the event grow every year." 

Channel 3 News Director Rita Andolsen and Anchor/Senior Health Correspondent Monica Robins were among the participants Thursday morning.

Andolsen also serves on the board of the Nakon Foundation.

If you would like to help the cause, you can visit the Nakon Foundation website here.