Mary Grace 5K moves to virtual race

For the last decade and a half, the Mary Grace Memorial Foundation's annual fundraiser "Race with Grace 5k and Fun Walk" attracted upward of 1,500 participants at the Medina Hospital campus. In any other normal year, that event would have taken place last weekend, however, 2020 isn't a normal year due to the coronavirus pandemic. While COVID-19 may be keeping people apart, foundation organizers have come up with a way for volunteers to raise funds for those fighting the battle of their lives against cancer. Called the "Race in Solidarity," the fundraiser is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 27, with the public invited to participate alone but together in spirit. "COVID has stopped so many things, but people are still getting diagnosed with cancer every day, so let's help them fight," said Grace's daughter, Allison Schreiber, a Medina native who now lives in West Park. "Race in Solidarity" participants are encouraged to register a team of 10 for a socially distanced walk or run through their neighborhood or favorite trail to honor someone they know who is battling cancer. Afterward, walkers and runners — who receive a T-shirt and can register individually — are asked to share the experience on social media. "There are so many things going on in the world, we need to focus on positivity," Schreiber said. "We all need a little more hope and something to run for. It's not just about the race. It's about who we're helping and also to honor my mom." On Feb. 1, 2003, Grace — a wife and mother of three — was diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite a valiant fight, she died two years later. That spring, the Mary Grace Memorial Foundation was founded with a mission to raise money to help other families battling cancer. The nonprofit provides cancer patients or their immediate family members from Medina, Stark and Wayne counties with basic life necessities — rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, groceries — so they can concentrate on battling the disease. Last year's race raised more than $80,000. Schreiber said hopes are high the 2020 effort will bring in the same amount if not more. "We've helped so many people," Schreiber said. "It's really important for Medina County, which had a big impact on our lives. We want to help out the community as much as possible." Over the last 15 years, the Mary Grace Memorial Foundation has awarded more than $750,000 in grants to 650 families. Schreiber said her mother stressed to the family the importance of helping the community. "Our mother was the most caring person," Schreiber said. "She'd be really proud that we're still continuing on her name while going above and beyond to celebrate life and help other people as much as we can." For more information, visit racewithgrace.com. Contact John Benson at Ndiffrence@att.net.