A Decade of Success

Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival is a tradition that started in 1937. For many of those years, the Tri-Cities YMCA in Grand Haven has kicked off the celebration with a 5K, 10K and Fun Run.

This year marks 10 years of Trinity Health Grand Haven Bariatrics and Weight Management program fielding its own team of “spectators-turned-athletes” for whom this race has special meaning.

“For many of our patients, a community walk, or run was something they never thought they could do, or could no longer do,” said Kelly Liggett, exercise physiologist. “We thought it would be exciting to get some of our staff and patients involved in the 5K.”

In 2014, Kelly and her coworkers reached out to their patients and formed a team. 

“We had 19 patients that first year,” Kelly recalled, “and now ten years later, we’ve had a total of 650 people run and walk with us throughout the years.”

Trinity Health Grand Haven was once again the presenting sponsor for the Coast Guard City USA Run, which included a team of 65 patients and staff for this year’s race. 

“More than one-third of our patient participants are first-timers,” Kelly noted. “They are always so thrilled by what they can accomplish. It’s a great morale booster! Race day is one of the most rewarding days of the year, and this race represents a huge milestone in our patients’ lives.”

To celebrate all the hard work that brings each person to cross the finish line, our staff — led by Dr. Eric Krebill and Dr. Jennifer Sandy — hands out medals and congratulatory high-fives.

Learn more about bariatric surgery at Trinity Health and find a bariatric surgeon near you.