The Harnessing Hope 5K Run/Walk is scheduled for Saturday, October 20 at Hughesville High School. Proceeds from the fundraiser benefit Paternostro Family Foundation (PFF) in supporting local patients with cancer.

“We created the Foundation in memory of our beloved sister, Kass, who passed away in 2012 at the age of 40 from cancer. Kass’s daughter Josie was only 4 years old when her mom died. Our father, Tom, then passed away suddenly in 2014 from cancer and we became even more determined to help local residents diagnosed with cancer to honor their memories,” explained Krista Paternostro Bower, founder and chairperson of PFF.

Among other programs, PFF provides supplementary financial assistance to families with financial needs resulting from expenses associated with their cancer treatment. This program covers specific, non-medical costs related to a cancer diagnosis, for example, a utility bill.

“When a family is dealing with cancer and medical treatments – and I say ‘family’ not patient because cancer truly affects the whole family – the last thing they should have to worry about it is money or paying bills,” said Bower. “We know medical bills can add up very quickly and create a hardship for the family. We are a small Foundation, but we want to be able to ease at least a small part of the financial burden.”

In addition, PFF distributes harnessing hope goodie bags to patients in treatment at UPMC Susquehanna Cancer Center.

“As our mom recalled sitting next to Kass through numerous chemotherapy treatments, she remembered the items Kass liked to have close by to help with the environment, including snacks, hand cream, mouthwash, wet wipes, etc. – each intended to provide a little comfort through the uncomfortable parts of the cancer journey,” added Bower. “We also recalled writing down moments of laughter, conversations worth noting, information about medications, and ideas for the future, so my mom always had a little notebook handy. We gathered up all of these items and started this program with our first delivery to the cancer center in 2014.”

The Harnessing Hope 5k Run/Walk has been held three times, making this year’s race the fourth.

“Our dad reminded us to live each day with passion, purpose, and in the pursuit of excellence. He was an integral part of our Foundation’s development before he passed away,” said Bower. “Kass was an avid athlete, so a 5K is a fitting tribute to one of her life passions. We are currently seeking runners, walkers, sponsors, and volunteers to help us help local cancer patients.”

PFF is grateful for the support of these early bird sponsors:

Hope – Muncy Bank & Trust Company

Courage – Bald Eagle Mountain Student Housing; State Representative Garth Everett; Robert P. Hager, CPA; JPW Design & Manufacturing, Inc.; Beth Myers, Robin Real Estate; PMF Industries, Inc.; Riverview Bank; Schemery Zicolello

Community – Alexander Nissan; Joseph Bower; Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc.; RKS Construction; The Schramm-Kiessling Group – Merrill Lynch.

A portion of the proceeds from this year’s race will be donated to the Livestrong program at the Eastern Lycoming YMCA. Cancer survivors participate in free, customized exercise regimens catered to their individual needs from certified fitness instructors. The instructors are trained in cancer survivorship, post-rehabilitation exercise and supportive cancer care. Survivors receive a membership at the YMCA for the duration of the program.

For more information on Harnessing Hope or PFF, visit http://www.paternostrofamilyfoundation.org and look up Harnessing Hope 5K on Facebook. Questions can be directed by email to paternostrofamilyfoundation@comcast.net.