September 29, 2026 | By Atrium Health Foundation | In Contributor News
Nearly 2,300 community members registered for the 16th Annual Keep Pounding 5K on September 27, making this year’s event the largest in race history. Hosted by Atrium Health Foundation and the Carolina Panthers and presented by Rodgers Builders, Inc., the event raised more than $155,000 to benefit cancer programs at Atrium Health Levine Cancer and Atrium Health Levine Children’s in Greater Charlotte.
Cancer survivors, patients, families, caregivers, Atrium Health teammates, Panthers legends, sponsors, and supporters gathered at Levine Cancer Institute to begin the race, hearing from health system leaders about the impact of their support.
“At Atrium Health, we’re committed to delivering exceptional cancer care while advancing research that helps shape the future of treatment,” said Dr. Ruben Mesa, president of Atrium Health Levine Cancer and executive director of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center. “We have seen firsthand how funds raised by this event have impacted those we serve at Levine Children’s and Levine Cancer, patients young and old who have access to cutting-edge clinical trials that just a few years ago were not available here. But most importantly, they know they are not facing cancer alone. And that’s what the Keep Pounding mantra is all about.”
Dr. Javier Oesterheld, vice president of children’s specialty for Advocate Health’s NC/GA division and holder of the Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation Endowed Chair for Cancer and Blood Disorders, reflected on the spirit behind the event and the community’s role in supporting those facing cancer. “It’s about people coming together in moments that matter most,” he said. “It’s about turning compassion into action. It’s about recognizing that every dollar raised, every step taken, and every person gathered here today has the power to make a difference in someone else’s cancer journey. Because while cancer can affect one person or one family, overcoming it takes an entire community.”
Helping kick off the race were Bran and True, two childhood cancer survivors who have been treated at Levine Children’s. Their presence served as a reminder of the patients and families at the center of the Keep Pounding initiative.
Participants then made their way to Bank of America Stadium, where they crossed the finish line on the Carolina Panthers’ home field. The finish line also marked a celebration of the community’s fundraising efforts, including the longstanding support of Rodgers Builders as the presenting sponsor.
More than 90 teams participated, representing Atrium Health departments, patient and family groups, community supporters, and corporate partners. Ebtron, an event sponsor, led corporate fundraising with more than $25,000 raised in honor of its president, Dave Dougan, who has faced his own cancer journey at Levine Cancer. Dave’s wife, Jessica, served as Ebtron’s team captain and was the event’s top individual fundraiser, raising more than $7,000. TNT Strong led community fundraising with more than $2,800 raised.
Rodgers Builders (left) helped lead this year’s race as presenting sponsor, while Ebtron (right) earned top corporate fundraising honors for its exceptional commitment to cancer patients and families.
Since the Keep Pounding initiative was established in 2004 to honor the legacy of Carolina Panthers linebacker and coach Sam Mills, the Greater Charlotte community has contributed more than $4.9 million to support cancer programs at Atrium Health Levine Cancer and Atrium Health Levine Children’s. This year’s record-setting event continues that legacy, helping advance cancer care and research while providing support to patients and families throughout their cancer journeys.
Click here to view event photos by Aguallo Studios
With special thanks to our sponsors:
Jessica & Dave Dougan
