Charlotte Run To Benefit Local Breast Cancer Patients
Breast cancer is something I’ve experienced personally, so I am always happy to try and help others. My diagnosis came four months after recovering from a staph infection after my first neck surgery. Subsequently, I had to have an emergency second surgery due to the staph infection. After missing work for three months, finally I got to go back. Then, months later, diagnosed with breast cancer.
Breast cancer doesn’t run in my family, so my diagnosis came outta nowhere. That said, any cancer diagnosis is shocking. When you hear the word ‘cancer’ from your doctor, you immediately tune out. It’s a surreal feeling. You hear that word and then your mind starts spinning. Because my breast cancer was caught early, I am a huge proponent of mammograms. I am very lucky!
Dealing with cancer, or any serious illness, is difficult on many levels. You’re trying to rest and heal, but then you’re also worrying about bills. Not just your household bills, but all the medical bills. It’s a lot of stress to deal with while you’re trying to get better. Plus, you’re exhausted from all of the treatments you’re receiving. But there’s help locally!
Go Jen Go Foundation In Charlotte
The Go Jen Go Foundation was founded by Joe & Jen Pagani. Jen, a Charlotte mom and Ironman athlete, lost her battle with breast cancer in 2014. Her legacy is continuing to help others with day-to-day finances so patients can focus on their health and families. Executive Director Susan Sears emailed me the info on the annual run that’s happening soon.
The 12th Annual Run Jen Run 5K and Festival is going to happen on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Symphony Park with 1,000+ participants including local breast cancer survivors and thrivers. In addition to the race, there’s a festival afterward with music, a Kids Fun Zone full of games, bounce houses, and more. There will also be local food vendors and community sponsors showcasing their businesses at the event.
Don’t worry if you’re not into running! I’m not a runner either. You can still take part in the event by walking. Grab a group of friends, co-workers, or neighbors, and join in helping others battling breast cancer. IF you’re unable to attend, you can still help those in our community dealing with issues and financial burdens while trying to heal from breast cancer. Donations are accepted here.
Less stress and rest are too important factors when trying to heal the body. I am lucky I have a great support system that lives close to me. Not everyone has that luxury. Any help you can give; walking, running, or donating, will help in a huge way!
All the details on the Run Jen Run 5K and Festival are here. And thank you for any help you can give!
A, B, C? Here's How North Carolina Hospitals Scored For Safety
A's
- Atrium Health Mercy (2001 Vail Ave, Charlotte)
- Atrium Health Cabarrus (920 Church St, Concord)
- Atrium Health Pineville (10628 Park Rd, Charlotte)
- Atrium Health Union (600 Hospital Dr, Monroe)
- Carolina’s Medical Center (1000 Blythe Boulevard, Charlotte)
- Caromont Regional Medical Center (2525 Court Dr, Gastonia)
- Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center (10030 Gilead Rd, Huntersville)
- Novant Health Matthews Medical Center (1500 Matthews Township Parkway, Matthews)
- Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center (8201 Healthcare Loop, Charlotte)
- Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center (200 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte)
- Novant Health Rowan Medical Center (612 Mocksville Ave, Salisbury)
B's
- Atrium Health Stanley (301 Yadkin St, Albemarle)
- Atrium Health University City (8800 N. Tryon St, Charlotte)
- Iredell Memorial Hospital (557 Brookdale Dr, Statesville)
C's
- Atrium Health Cleveland (201 East Grover St, Shelby, NC)
- Lake Norman Regional Medical Center (171 Fairview Rd, Mooresville)
