We would like to thank the community members and businesses of Garrettsville, Hiram, Mantua and surrounding communities, all race planners, participants, and all Summerfest visitors for the success of our Fourth Annual Friends of Melana Summerfest 5K Race and Fun Walk.
This event is held annually in memory of our granddaughter, Melana Matson, and for the sole purpose of raising awareness and funds for children’s glioma brain cancer research. Currently, glioma research is primarily funded through grassroot organizations, such as ours.
Special gratitude to our race directors, Diana Morris and Doug Paroff, Mayor Rick Patrick, Amanda Joy Hall, Deacon Gerry Scopolitti, the Garrettsville Police Dept., the GFN Fire Dept., Community Ambulance Service, The Community Journal, The Villager, the Summerfest Committee, The St. Ambrose Youth Ministry and advisors, Boy Scout Troop # 4062, students of the “Miles for Melana” team, The Garfield Elementary staff for sponsoring the “Super Hero” walk-a-thon, and to our generous and supportive sponsors: C. Aydin, Cabi, DDS, Johnsonsite, Mayes and Sons Plumbing Co., Great Lakes Cheese, Best Friends Animal Clinic, Toyota of Warren, Carlson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Ryser Agency, The Community Journal, Ace Hardware, Schumacher Homes, Guido’s Pizza and Catering, Culligan, R Grocery Outlet, Gary Harwood Photography, Huntington Bank, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Save A Lot Food Stores, Robinson Memorial Hospital, Wenger Orthodontics, Bicker Irrigation, Mantua-Shalersville Area Chamber of Commerce, Carter Lumber, Ritchie’s Sporting Goods, Beiler’s Penn Dutch Market, Akron Children’s Hospital, Kim Kohli, Attorney at Law, The Ferchill Group, Great Lakes Hyundai, St. Ambrose Church, Audio Extremes Entertainment, Pace, Facet Salon and Spa and to the Friends of Melana Foundation committee and new volunteers, who worked tirelessly to carry on Melana’s spirit and to let her hope shine on for others and who made this event happen.
Our mission is to STOP KIDS CANCER! Through everyone’s support and efforts, we were able to raise approximately $15,000 for glioma cancer research.
God bless each of you for caring,
Norm and Joyce Fashing and family
Friends of Melana Foundation
