Panerathon will mark its 15th year Sunday at the Covelli Centre in downtown Youngstown.
Panerathon is a family event consisting of a 10K/2-mile fun run and walk with a special kids’ run courtesy of PNC Bank. There are also activities for kids of all ages as well as food and beverages.
The 10K begins at 10 a.m. and the 2-mile race and walk starts at 10:05 a.m.
Panerathon is a collaboration between Mercy Health Foundation Mahoning Valley and Covelli Enterprises.
Last year, it’s estimated that 10,000 runners, walkers, and family and friends poured into downtown for the event, which is the biggest fundraiser in the Mahoning Valley.
Panerathon has raised over $4.5 million for the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital.
“Our family and company are so proud to play a part in this incredible, life-saving event each year. We owe the success to the participants, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters who have been loyal to our cause for the last 15 years,” said Danielle Covelli, marketing director of Covelli Enterprises.
Teams get competitive in terms of size and how they stand out. Some companies purchase different shirts to make their employees get noticed. It’s not unusual to see a sea of brightly colored shirts, or pink tutus in the crowd!
Paul S. Homick Jr. is president of the Mercy Health Foundation Mahoning Valley. He credits the Covellis and the Panerathon sponsors for the enduring success.
“We are grateful for our generous community and for the ongoing support and partnership with Covelli Enterprises and Sam, Caryn and Danielle Covelli. The Covellis are wonderful community members who continue to support this noble cause in providing the best possible breast care services in the Mahoning Valley and are partners in saving lives.”
All funds raised are used for patient care and equipment at the JACBCC, as well as expansion of satellite sites.
Funds raised by Panerathon also helped purchase “Joanie-on-the-Go,” the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center’s mobile unit that travels to 26 locations in the tri-state area. It will be at Panerathon and available for tours. Nurse navigators will be there to answer any questions and talk about programs and services.
New this year will be live music, an enhanced lounge area for breast cancer survivors and those who are still undergoing treatment.
The kids’ area has a new interactive mobile unit sponsored by the Ohio State University Extension 4-H program to teach kids about planting and harvesting crops.
“In 14 years, through the support of sponsors, participants, and our community we’ve raised over $4.5 million to support the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center. We pride ourselves on keeping every donation local, serving our tri-county area,” said Panerathon Coordinator Candace Madden.
Dr. Rashid Abdu created the JACBCC in honor of his late wife, Joanie, who died of breast cancer. Abdu says he is touched by the Covellis’ generosity and concern for others, saying “If I can select just one word, to describe the evolution of the Panerathon over the last 15 years, it would be love! Love expressed by the Mercy Health Foundation, the Covellis and all the supporters over the years.”
– Submitted by the Mercy Health Foundation Mahoning Valley.
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