Pedone 5K helps fight childhood cancer
On Sunday, runners and supporters gathered for the annual Nicholas Pedone 5K run, starting outside of Glen Cove High School and finishing beyond the school’s track on Walnut Street. This year marked the largest turnout since 2020 when the state was on lockdown from the Coronavirus pandemic. With nearly 500 registrants and 418 participants crossing the finish line. The race, organized by the Nicholas Pedone Foundation, is the foundation’s sole fundraiser and a central effort to raise awareness for childhood cancer.
The event honors the memory of Nicholas Pedone, a 7-year-old Glen Cove boy who died neurolastoma, a rare form of childhood cancer, in May 2013. Pedone was diagnosed in 2012, and the first 5K was held in April 2013, just a month before he traveled to Philadelphia for a stem cell transplant. Pedone participated in that inaugural race, crossing the finish line, but he passed away just a month and a half later. His legacy lives on through the foundation and this annual event.
Josephine Pedone, Nicholas’s mother, has been at the heart of organizing the event and expressed her pride in the growth of the race over the years.
“We’re really happy to see that the run grew this year,” she said. “We’re attracting more of the competitive running community, which is exciting, and it’s great to see this event becoming a staple for both runners and the local community. But most importantly, we’re able to help and support local cancer warriors and fighters by honoring them at our events.”
The foundation, in addition to its financial support for childhood cancer research, provides a platform to recognize and honor children currently battling cancer. Each year, an honorary child is chosen for special recognition. This year, that honor went to Erik Hanson, a 4-year-old Glen Cove resident currently fighting myoepithelial carcinoma,
The Nicholas Pedone Foundation encourages people to “go gold” during September for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Gold is the designated color for childhood cancer, and supporters can show their solidarity by tying gold ribbons around trees or incorporating gold into their personal attire or social media profiles.
Long-time participants like Saul Schacter of Sea Cliff have been part of the event for three years.
“The Nicholas Pedone 5K always brings the community together,” Schacter said. “I’m proud to know such a dedicated group of people.”
To learn more or support the Nicholas Pedone Foundation, visit www.fighthardsmilebig.org.
