A Hope Run is being held at Merriman Park Elementary at 2:00 p.m. today in support of lymphoma research and awareness.
Inspired by Assistant Principal Trey Ivey’s wife, who is currently being treated for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the run has been organized by the MPE PTA. The run will take place at the MPE soccer fields, and those attending are encouraged to wear purple or electric green, or MPE spirit wear colors.
September is Lymphoma and Leukemia Awareness Month in the United States. Close to 8,500 to 9,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma each year, according to Yale Medicine. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnoses are far more common, with close over 80,000 people expected to be diagnosed with lymphoma in the U.S. in 2024, according to the U.S. Cancer Society.
While the event is mainly in support of lymphoma research, it is also intended to raise cancer awareness in general. Several members of the MPE community have or are dealing with cancer. More information can be found here.
If neighbors are unable to attend but would like to support the initiative, they are encouraged to make donations to the Jennifer Friedman Ackerman Foundation. To donate, neighbors can contribute via venmo @jfafoundation-424 or write a check to the JFA Foundation and deliver to PTA inbox in the MPE front office. All donations are asked to include “Danielle’s Detail” in the memo line.
