On June 22, 2024, Atrium Health Foundation and the Carolina Panthers hosted the 14th Annual Keep Pounding 5K, raising over $126,000 for cancer programs at Atrium Health. Presented by Rodgers Builders, Inc., the event broke attendance records, with nearly 1,800 participants completing the race that began at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute and ended at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC.
Dr. Ruben Mesa, president of Atrium Health Levine Cancer, rallied participants at the kickoff. “We are making great strides against cancer, and [our donors] are all a critical part of that,” he said. “Defeating cancer is a team sport, and everyone out here who is running and raising money, along with those at home who contribute to advance our mission against cancer. Together, I know we can defeat cancer.”
Leading the charge in the fight against cancer was Rodgers Builders, which has been a proud partner of the event since its inception and a steadfast supporter of care initiatives at Atrium Health for nearly 40 years.
“Building healthy communities is a mission that Rodgers Builders and Atrium Health both share,” said John Delony, vice president of construction operations at Rodgers Builders. “It is our commitment to ensure that all people – regardless of age, and from all walks of life – have access to the very best cancer care.”
Over 70 teams came out to show their support, including department-led, patient, and corporate teams. Team Buffalo was recognized as the top community fundraising team, raising over $3,500, and Rodgers Builders was named the top corporate fundraising team. Ashley Lozito, of Team Buffalo, secured the top individual fundraiser award for her generous efforts.
Two special guests helped kick off the race. Longtime Atrium Health teammate Travis Kerns (right) is a liver transplant recipient and patient of Levine Cancer Institute. He was joined by 10-year-old Cameron Stroud (left), a leukemia patient at Levine Children’s, who is now in remission. Both have experienced the impact of the Keep Pounding 5K firsthand through patient programming at Atrium Health.
Since the Keep Pounding initiative began in 2004 to honor the late Carolina Panthers linebacker and coach Sam Mills, the community has raised over $4.6 million to advance cancer research and patient support programs at Atrium Health Levine Cancer and Atrium Health Levine Children’s.
Click here to view event photos.
With special thanks to our corporate sponsors:
