Strong support continues for Joey Fabus fundraiser in Bethel Park

Expressing gratitude can be a bit overwhelming, especially when there’s a great deal of it to go around.

“We have a lot of people to thank. I can’t really list them all at this point,” Cindy Fabus announced to the crowd gathered Sept. 17 at Bethel Park High School.

The occasion was the annual Joey Fabus Superhero Run Over DIPG 5K Race/Walk, in honor of the son of David and Cindy Fabus, who died in 2015 of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, an inoperable brain tumor.

“We honor him every year, and every year I can’t believe the support that comes out,” Cindy said. “It’s the eighth year, and we’re still seeing people. Today, we have over 500.”

Joining runners and walkers were members of various Bethel Park School District and community organizations, doing their part to raise money for the Joey Fabus Childhood Cancer Foundation.

“Our mission for our foundation is to help families and children who are affected by childhood cancer, as well as to support research,” Cindy explained. “We do that in a number of ways, from supporting them throughout the year or picking an honorary recipient to receive part of the funds we raise today.”

This year’s beneficiary is 3-year-old Hazel Brown of Port Clinton, Ohio, who was diagnosed with DIPG in July. A team of Hazel’s supporters made the 200-mile trip to participate in the Bethel Park event.

“She is a warrior, and we are pulling and praying for her,” Melissa Migliaro, who made announcements before the start of the race, said.

The event’s “Superhero” theme draws on memories of Joey often wearing a Superman outfit during the time he was receiving treatments. As such, many of the participants dressed accordingly, including folks costumed as the likes of Wonder Woman, Batman and Captain America.

And overall, the aura of invincibility adds to the hope that children of the future can be cancer-free. As Cindy Fabus said:

“That’s why this is so important.”

For more information about the Joey Fabus Childhood Cancer Foundation, including the people and organizations the family wishes to thank, visit www.jfccf.org.