The Choose Joy for Melina Third Annual Virtual 5K

The Melina Michelle Edenfield Foundation is hosting The Choose Joy for Melina Third Annual Virtual 5K from Monday, October 3, 2022 through Monday, October 31, 2022. 

You can register for the event by clicking HERE. The cost is $30.00 (plus processing fee) for adults and kids (which includes a shirt and cape) or you can choose the $15.00 option for kids which includes the cape only. Shipping is $10 for the lower 48 states. 

​What do I get for my registration?

Your registration fee includes a race tshirt, goodie bag, Second Sole race bib, and contribution toward helping to find a cure for childhood brain cancer by "Choosing Joy for Melina".

ALL proceeds raised goes directly towards funding pediatric brain cancer research!

What is the Melina Michelle Edenfield Foundation? 

The Melina Michelle Edenfield Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping find a cure for childhood brain cancer.  As a foundation, we are organizing the ‘The Choose Joy for Melina Second Annual Virtual 5k.’ All proceeds from this event will go directly to our foundation, and we are hopeful that you will consider participating in the event. 

On May 22, 2020, the lives of the Edenfield family changed in an unimaginable way, when their youngest of three daughters, Melina Michelle Edenfield — a joyful, energetic, and brilliant little four-year-old — was diagnosed with a deadly childhood brain tumor called Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG). Despite initial hope from the doctors that radiation treatment might extend her already limited prognosis, the tumor was one of the most aggressive the doctors had seen, and just a month and two days later — on June 24, 2020 — the tumor took sweet little Melina’s life. 

Upon Melina’s diagnosis, we learned that childhood cancer research is severely underfunded, receiving less than 3% of all money raised for cancer research.  Less than 1% of that total goes toward pediatric brain tumor funding, equating to only $500 per child diagnosed.  Our mission is to not only raise awareness, but to further fund the necessary research efforts in hopes of saving these wonderful children.

Melina loved her family, her older sisters, Emilea and Klara, “cheeto” (cheetah) print, and during the most difficult part of her and her family’s lives, Melina never lost her zest or passion for life.  She chose joy every day, and continues to inspire us all to do the same. Please consider racing, sponsoring, or donating to the first annual ‘Choose Joy for Melina Virtual 5k’. We are dedicated to choosing joy for Melina, and we are dedicated to raising as much money as possible to further advance the research to cure pediatric brain tumors. We are greatly appreciative of your consideration. CHOOSE JOY!

How long do I have to submit my time?

You may submit your time between the dates of October 3rd-October 31st, 2022

 How do I submit my time?

Simply submit your time to josh@secondsoleohio.com and he will upload it for you.  If you run a faster 5K time at any point thereafter, you may resubmit your time to be updated.  

Do I need to submit proof of my time?

No.  This virtual event is honor-based.  We hope that everyone is truthful when submitting times, although we will monitor times as they are uploaded.  

Are you accepting donations?

Yes we are.  Thank you for your interest in supporting the Melina Michelle Edenfield Foundation. You may make a donation during your registration or by clicking HERE.

Who are the proceeds benefiting?

Proceeds will benefit the Melina Michelle Edenfield Foundation to support finding a cure for childhood brain cancer. You can read more about this non-profit organization by clicking HERE.

How can I view the results?

Results will begin to upload on October 3rd and will update each day through October 31st, 2021.  You will be able to view results by clicking HERE  beginning on October 3rd. 

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