Five members run in memory of Mary Manzoeillo
Left to right, Katie DeMarco, Melissa Scanga, Sophia Scanga, Valerie Scanga and Krista Manzoeillo. Photo courtesy of "Proud Mary" team
On Sunday, Aug. 12, local residents and family members Krista Manzoeillo, Melissa Scanga, Katie DeMarco, Sophia Scanga and Valerie Scanga participated in the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation 5K at Yankee Stadium. This is the group’s third year participating under the team name “Proud Mary” in memory of Krista and Melissa’s Mom, Mary Manzoeillo.
Thousands of participants run the entire stadium, including the warm- up track on the field. “The event means so much to me. It’s not an easy course, but neither is the fight against cancer. When I’m running and I feel like I can’t make it any further, I think of my mom and how hard she fought this terrible disease. That pushes me to the finish line,” said Melissa Scanga.
Now in its fourth year, the event has raised over $2 million to fund cancer research.
The “Proud Mary” team hopes to bring more family and friends with them to next year’s event. To learn more visit damonrunyon.org.
