The 11th Annual Keep Pounding 5K has raised $70,000 and counting, with proceeds benefiting cancer research and patient care programs at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute and Atrium Health Levine Children’s. While this year’s event took on a virtual format, a dedicated community of over 430 supporters united around one important cause—to pound out cancer in the Carolinas and beyond.
During virtual race week, patient families, teammates, and corporate and community supporters took to their neighborhood streets, parks, and their treadmills to run their personal 5Ks or complete any activity of their choice in the fight against cancer. This year’s event was made possible by co-presenting sponsors Rodgers Builders and JELD-WEN.
Our corporate sponsors proved their dedication to the cause, with over 180 associates and their family members participating in the week-long celebration to build hope for patients at Atrium Health. Gary Michel, president and CEO of JELD-WEN, shared with his associates, “Community support is a core value for us, and as part of the Charlotte community, we are challenging all of our associates to keep pounding to raise money and support of the Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital and Levine Cancer Institute. We are thankful for all participating associates and their families for giving back in such a fun and meaningful way.”
Proceeds from this event will benefit the Keep Pounding Fund to support Phase I and Phase II clinical cancer research trials, patient navigators, wellness and survivorship programs, education, and state-of-the-art technology to improve cancer detection and treatment. The Keep Pounding Fund, which was created by the Carolina Panthers and Atrium Health Foundation in 2003, has since received nearly $3.5 million in charitable gifts, which exclusively benefit cancer programs at Atrium Health.
The mantra “Keep Pounding” was first spoken by the late Panthers linebacker and coach Sam Mills Jr. and has since become the collective battle cry of countless Panther fans across the country who continue to band together in the fight to cure cancer.
Atrium Health Foundation is deeply appreciative of its corporate sponsors, led by Rodgers Builders and JELD-WEN, which have upheld their commitments and made this year’s virtual celebration possible. Our community looks forward to gathering together for an in-person event in 2022!
With special thanks to our corporate sponsors:
