2021 MOS Race Results

2020 MOS Race Results (None due to COVID)

2019 MOS Race Results

2018 MOS Race Results

2017 MOS Race Results

2016 MOS Race Results

2015 MOS Race Results

2013 MOS Race Results

2012 MOS Race Results

2011 MOS Race Results

2010 MOS Race Results

2009 MOS Race Results

2008 MOS Race Results

SOS will be once again offering medals or trophies for our 5K event this year.  Below are our award categories this year for in-person 5K runners.  SOS does not give out awards for in-person 1-Mile Walk or for either the Virtual 5K or 1-Mile Walk.

The Miles of Smiles 5K provides 1st and/or 2nd Place Awards for these categories:

After much discussion with Murrysville, it was decided the MOS 5K was too large a race for venues in Murrysville.  Therefore, we have come home to Boyce Park Ski Lodge where our 2014 through 2018 MOS events took place.  We are conducting 2 types of events this year: in-person events (Boyce Park Ski Lodge on Memorial Day) and virtual events (anywhere, anytimeMemorial Day weekend) for folks who are out of town on Memorial Day weekend or do not have their full COVID vaccine or are uncomfortable.

Below is a map to get to the entrance of Boyce Park if you have chosen the in-person events.  Once in the park, please follow signs in the park that are labeled “Miles of Smiles” with an arrow pointing you in the correct direction.

If you have friends and family doing this event virtually with you, plan your own event to honor our recipient families at a location at suits you best.  If you have a large group of supporters meeting at a specific venue and time besides Boyce Park on race day, please let SOS know at servingothersouls@gmail.com so we can advertise for other virtual supporters to join you there.

Below is the event itinerary for the MOS event for in-person registrations:

For any 5K run or 1-mile walk participants who pre-registered, race packet pick-up location is below:

For those of you planning on using GPS to get to Monroeville Pro Bikes + Run, the store address is as follows:

For those who wish to print directions to the store: when you click the link below, it will take you to a Google Map site of the store.  Click “directions” tab on the pop up screen.  Finally, enter the address you will be leaving from to come to the gym in slot A (Pro Bikes + Run is in slot B), and click “get directions” for a tailor-made direction list from your home .

Click here for Google Map directions to Pro Bike+Run

Here is a MapMyRun version of the course you can download into your running apps to help you understand our course more completely.

The Miles of Smiles will conduct BOTH the 5K and 1-Mile Walk as in-person events (Boyce Park Ski Lodge) and as virtual events that will be done anywhere you choose.  This video below follows the race course at Boyce Park that we used since our first MOS 5K at Boyce Park in 2014.

Link to 2020 Virtual Miles of Smiles Silent Auction:

https://www.32auctions.com/milesofsmiles

Disregard info below the link above.  It is the info if this year was a traditional setup for our race and basket raffle, but COVID-19 has made us adjust the gameplan.

The previous Miles of Smiles 5K events collected an amazing assortment of specialty gift baskets from the 2008 – 2011 basket auctions at Plum Midget Football Field that were part of the Chinese Auctions in which all proceeds went to Sunny.  In 2012, SOS moved our race to Boyce Park Ski lodge and received even more baskets for our 2012 auction that benefited the family of Kristin Croyle, Lorri Nixon, and Sunny Carney.  Every year since, our basket raffle has set records surpassing quantity of baskets and value of donations from the baskets.  This year, we again have found a new improved home for our race at the Murrysville Community Park, and our basket raffle will be our best one yet!  Your donation is tax deductible (if paperwork is requested from SOS) and you or your company can gain sponsorship benefits for your donation.  Click the sponsorship link to view these benefits.  If you chose to donate one to our cause, please contact our Basket Coordinator, Alison Cooley at alison.m.cooley@gmail.com if you wish to donate a basket to our auction. If you have further questions, please contact S.O.S.  Please bring your cash or checkbook to our event and plan on spending a great deal of money to pay tribute to these courageous families and a wonderful cause!! (Please make checks out to Serving Other Souls)

All Baskets need to be delivered to Alison Cooley (set up drop off of basket through email with Alison) or drop off to Franklin Regional Middle School by 5/24/19. If you drop off at FRMS, please email SOS so we can create ticket bin for your donated basket ahead of time.

Cost of tickets to use in Chinese auction will be announced at signs at our event.  Please plan on bringing your checkbook or wallet!!

Winners not present at 10:15 to 10:30 AM to claim prizes for Chinese Auction Baskets will be contacted to pick up prizes

Serving Other Souls (S.O.S.), www.servingothersouls.org, is a servant-leadership group built to create leaders through service based initiatives.  The members of S.O.S. are students of Franklin Regional Middle School, in Murrysville, PA, who are dedicated to helping individuals with great need.  S.O.S members can offer their time, talent, or treasure to S.O.S service projects that aim to improve the lives of those who require aid. The overall goal of Serving Other Souls is to increase empathy and decrease apathy in all S.O.S. members as we serve those souls who require assistance. As S.O.S. members participate in service events, they are trained in finding those in crisis and developing a plan to help those individuals attain the necessary material, physical, or emotional support to relieve the crisis. With these beliefs and goals in mind, Serving Other Souls creates service events that have the opportunity to help those in need; improve the character of the students who volunteer; and possibly most important, offer hope to all those who attend an S.O.S. event that the world and the souls who live on it are worth smiling about.

Therefore, in the fall of 2012, Serving Other Souls was excited about the opportunity to assume the responsibility of the Miles of Smiles (MOS) for Sunny 5K from Running for a Reason (R4R), a disbanded non-profit organization that was originally created to organize and implement the Miles of Smiles for Sunny 5K. The group, R4R, existed from 2008 through 2011 and was disbanded when the executive board members could not come to a common vision on the future plans of R4R after 4 years of running the event.   From 2008 through 2011, MOS 5K generated tens of thousands of dollars for the namesake of the event, Sunny Carney, a Plum mother of three sons. Sunny was afflicted for over ten years with a rare and incurable form of cancer called carcinoid cancer. Since the disease is so rare, insurance rarely covered the treatments for this type of cancer. Sunny fought this disease with a determination and grace regardless of the financial obligations and her actions have inspired those who knew her.  Unfortunately,  Sunny lost her battle to carcinoid cancer on Nov. 3, 2012, the evening before our 2012 SOS Miles of Smiles 5K.  The race the following day was an amazing tribute to a strong and remarkable woman.  Since the inception of this race, the MOS 5K events have allowed so many people to share their financial and emotional support with Sunny and now other needy souls, and in return, these races provided Sunny and the others that we serve with the faith, hope, and love to help in their fight of the incurable diseases.

“Joey Byrnes, known today as “JoeNado”, was taken to children’s hospital for constant stomach aches, joint pains, coughing and fevers in early September of 2019. He was misdiagnosed several times and sent home. His parents, Jean and Bobby Byrnes, refused to be discharged a third time without a solid answer as to why Joey was in so much pain. Finally, after many days in Children’s Hospital one of his blood tests delivered a diagnosis – B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. It was on September 27th that Joey faced his first round of Chemo at the young age of 7. Joey however was not shaken by this, he instead faced it like the superhero he is with the power to blow away cancer with his mighty tornados. Thus JoeNado was born and supported by all his friends and Family. His journey included numerous late nights, long days, and endless love and support. It was no easy feat but he and his family were #JoeNadoStrong and on December 10th of 2021 Joey was able to rise victorious and #RingThatBell!”

I am 38 years old, and I was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue in April 2020. The tumor was successfully removed with clear margins via a partial tongue glossectomy and followed up with 6 weeks of radiation. The radiation appeared successful as revealed by a clean PET scan in October 2020. Late November I developed soreness in my neck. Brushing it off at first, after just having had a clean PET, I thought it was residual soreness from the radiation or perhaps a torn muscle from beginning to build back my neck strength. After no relief by Christmas I scheduled an appointment with my ENT surgeon. A CT would diagnose a 3cm mass. A biopsy was performed within a week that confirmed the cancer had spread to my neck. Surgery was scheduled for March 3, 2022 to remove all muscle, tissue, lymph nodes and the jugular vein from my neck. To protect the remaining carotid artery, the surgeons performed a muscle flap reconstruction where a portion of my pectoral muscle was extended to my neck. Pathology confirmed what we already knew – an extremely aggressive mass that had compromised my neck tissue, muscle and jugular vein and had begun to grow along the carotid artery. I have entered a clinical trial through UPMC Hillman and will begin treatment the week of April 11, 2022 to treat any residual cancer that may be remaining.

I’m married to my wife of 16 years, Erica and have two children Jamison (14) and Tori (11). Through the midst and fear of the unknown this past year we were blessed with a huge surprise when we found out we were expecting a new baby girl, due April 5, 2022. (born beautiful and healthy after sending bio) While nothing envisioned or planned, we recognize the gift we have been blessed with and look forward to welcoming baby in just a few short days!

We are extremely grateful for the love and support we have received from friends, family, our church and our local community. The generosity of those around us has been a tremendous support as we navigate this horrible disease. We will remain steadfast in the love of Christ as we move forward to our second round of treatment as I continue to strengthen my testimony.

I have been a Plum resident my whole 50 years of life. I’ve been married to Dave Noal since 1998, together since 1995. We’ve been thru so much over the years and each trial brings us closer together and stronger than before. I’m a lucky woman.  Working at King’s Family Restaurant from 1991-1998 and again from 2015-2020, and raising my 4 amazing children here in Plum as well.

In May 2020, my gynecologist discovered a lump in my left breast during a routine exam. After
mammograms, biopsies, and an MRI, I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in both
breasts. I learned that my cancer was “fed” by the estrogen and progesterone hormones in my body and
that I would need chemotherapy before they would be able to attempt to surgically remove my cancer.
It was also discovered that I have a gene that increases my chance of contracting certain types of cancer.
I began treatment in July 2020, completing a total of 16 rounds of chemotherapy, first going every two
weeks for a medication known affectionately as the “red devil” and then going every week for what
they referred to as a “lighter” form of chemo. I completed chemotherapy in December 2020 and
underwent a double mastectomy in January of 2021. I will continue to take an oral chemotherapy
medication for the next 5-10 years which will help prevent the cancer from returning.
While undergoing treatment during a global pandemic was extra scary, I was blessed with the
opportunity to “hunker down” at home and was able to continue working as a School Counselor
remotely during the first semester while undergoing chemotherapy. I received immeasurable support
from my husband, Hal, who took more than the lion’s share of running our household during this time,
and from my two children, Willow (18) and Quade (13), who were always around with extra hugs when I
needed them. I was amazed by the outpouring of love and support that I received from family, friends,
and coworkers and continue to be blown away by the kindness that has been shown to me! I am so
blessed by all the people who offered prayers, support, and encouragement even though we were not
allowed to see each other in person. I know that their love, prayers, and moral support were what got
me through the last year and kept my spirits up when things were tough. Even during the times when I
felt weak, they never let me forget that I could still be strong and that I have it in me to do hard things!

Dan had been having symptoms for a few months and finally decided to get a colonoscopy in November 2018. Shortly after the procedure, the doctor shared the results with us and they were not good. The doctor said that the cancer most likely appeared in his colon 10 years ago. This news was devastating but we were ready to fight. Dan started his treatment plan shortly after, which consisted of radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Follow up scans showed promising results.

In the summer of 2019 there was a setback when Dan ended up in the ER at Forbes Hospital for severe back pain. A CAT scan was done and the results were very disappointing. The tumor had metastasized to the spine, liver and the lung. His spine was fractured on the L2. He was given more radiation treatments to shrink the tumor on the spine and to give him some relief. He was also put on long term pain medication to control his back pain. His treatment plan was modified to attack the new tumors and the original one in the colon.

Fast forward to Feb 2020. Dan was having some more pain and ended up in the ER at Forbes again. A scan revealed that the tumors in the liver and lung had had shrunk a bit but the tumor in the colon had encroached into his bladder. He is currently receiving more radiation treatments to that area hoping to shrink it. He continues his chemotherapy regimen which is 10 chemo pills per day.

Dan has been working full time at BNY Mellon as a Controller since his diagnosis in November 2018, only taking a few weeks short term disability when needed. He enjoys spending time with his family, dogs and friends. When he has good days, he likes to go to his kids’ sporting events, take his dogs on hikes at Pleasant Valley Park and doing yard work in the summer. We will continue to fight this horrible disease and pray for guidance from God to the doctors in his care.

Update:

Dan passed away on March 9, 2020 after he and his family were selected to be a recipient of a share of the Miles of Smiles 5K proceeds.  Serving Other Souls and Dan’s family have agreed to keep Dan’s family as a proceeds recipient, and now these funds will be used to pay off unpaid medical bills or for the educational expenses for Allison and Dan’s 3 sons.  Here is a link to Dan’s obituary: https://obituaries.triblive.com/obituaries/triblive/obituary.aspx?n=daniel-m-marsiglio&pid=195657981&fhid=4444 .  SOS prays for peace, health, and fortitude for Allison and her boys as they mourn the passing of Dan.

Myelofibrosis is a rare bone marrow cancer causing the marrow to become fibrotic thereby unable to make good blood cells. There was only one medication approved by the FDA for this disease though recently a second has been approved, but they are only to treat symptoms, not a cure. The only known cure is a stem cell transplant, which too often is life threatening and there is no guarantee of success.

Support of family, friends and certainly medical experts is the key to a positive outlook and not allowing every day to be defined by the disease. There are many people working each day to find a cure or at the very least, other options to extend the life of those dealing with MF and other cancers as well. To all of them, I am most thankful!

Danielle Zurisko is a mother of 2 battling Breast Cancer.

In December 2019 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. As they were saying words like aggressive, Her2 positive, hormone positive, time seemed to stand still. My mind started to race and I felt that my life was quickly spiraling, but that feeling didn’t last long, I couldn’t let it. I needed to start fighting, which I did, just 5 days before Christmas I started Chemo. In all, I will do 6 rounds of chemo then undergo a double mastectomy and possibly radiation.

Before my diagnosis I lived a normal, busy life. Working as an Elementary School Social Worker and spending time with my wonderful family – my amazing husband Jeff, my full of energy-funny son Luca (4 yo) and my sweet baby girl Madeline (21 months). I often wish we could go back to our simple, fun, easy going life, but I know we will get back to that life soon.

After the initial shock of my diagnosis, I knew there was only one thing to do and that was to fight as hard as I could. I’ve adopted the mantra of “Faith not Fear” and repeat that often to myself when those scary thoughts creep in. It really has helped me through some tough days.

Every step of the way my amazing family, friends and coworkers have supported me.  I am overwhelmed with the outpouring of prayers and positive words of encouragement. I don’t know if I could ever express to them how much their love has uplifted me in these trying times.

As I know the battle isn’t over yet, I know my Faith, not Fear will help me beat this.

59 yr old husband and dad of 2 fighting colon cancer

Hello.  My name is Bob Ellson.  I am a United Methodist pastor currently serving at Mt. Pleasant UMC.  Prior to serving in Mt. Pleasant I was a parishioner, and later the Associate Pastor, at First UMC in Murrysville.  My wife (Jill) and I have been residents of the Murrysville area for over 45 years and are blessed to call this region “home.”  We have three wonderful children, our daughter Cassie (32), our son Josh (29) and our daughter-in-law, Frankie (27).

A little over three years ago, at age 55, I was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer, and then diagnosed with a recurrence of the disease this past fall.  It is difficult to describe the feelings one has when first receiving a cancer diagnosis. It is sudden and devastating, especially as I am otherwise a healthy and active person with no family history of the disease.

Tests and treatments begin soon after the diagnosis so you are forced to process emotions quickly…and the fight begins.  And fight you must! It is not only a physical battle, it is a mental and emotional battle as well. There are highs and lows throughout the fight but it is a fight that can be won.

My faith in Christ is the foundation upon which I stand.  By faith, I am confident of an eternal future that will be free of pain and disease.  But, for right now, we live on this side of eternity and it has been said that “Fear and faith often share the same heartbeat.”  I would be lying if I said that there is no fear in the fight. It is in those times of fear that my family and my friends stand as my rock of support and my constant reminder that the fight must go on!  

56 yr old husband and dad of 2 fighting pancreatic cancer

On a relaxing Friday night in August 2018 when I was supposed to be at a Southside Johnny concert at the Palace Theater in Greensburg, I was instead hanging out in the emergency room at UPMC-East in Monroeville.  After showing up with yellow eyes and other jaundice-related impacts, subsequent tests confirmed a diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer.  Shock and disbelief don’t even begin to characterize the sinking feeling that immediately washed over me and my wife.  Following a meeting at the Hillman Cancer Center, my path forward was mapped out which included participation in a clinical trial followed by surgery, and then the current regimen of chemotherapy that will continue through June 2019.

At the time of diagnosis, all of the clichés that you hear about cancer came flooding through and my head begin to swim in an attempt to process the magnitude of my situation.  Initial Internet searches led me down a dark path and put me in a bad place, but natural human curiosity got the best of me.  And on the human front, the potential face-to-face confrontation with my mortality occupied the majority of my thoughts.   However, as the days clicked by and my surgery approached, the ability to keep my head facing forward greatly improved.  I credit this to the always-positive attitude of family members, including wife Kim and children Chelsea and Tyler.  As a 30-year resident of Murrysville, I have met a lot of wonderful people in this community.  Back on the cliché aspect, they say “it takes a community to raise a child’……in my case, I have come to learn that it takes a community to help you get through a cancer journey.  And to further help me through, we have adopted the Journey tune, “Don’t Stop Believing” as our mantra and fight song.

The fact that I’m still here is through the grace of God, and the many blessings that I’ve received.  Most notably, two days after surgery as I lie in bed at UPMC-Presbyterian, there were some words laid on my heart which instructed me to “…..follow those that shine and remain in the light.”  I have no doubt that I had been spoken to.  The Serving Other Souls organization is another blessing to add to my list, and I am truly humbled to have been nominated and selected to be a recipient of their support.  My wish and hope for all those that have been touched by cancer is to someday see this insidious disease eradicated….until then……keep the faith and don’t stop believing.

45 yr old mom and mother of 2 fighting breast cancer

November of 2018 I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer.  Before then, life was the normal juggling between work (middle school counselor), maintaining a household and family activities.   I have a wonder husband, Scott, and two amazing sons, Colin (13) and Jack (8), they are my world.  Since my diagnosis, I have been undergoing aggressive weekly chemotherapy sessions.  I will be finishing up chemo in late April with a double mastectomy and 4-6 weeks of daily radiation sessions to follow.

The evening of my first chemotherapy treatment, I had many thoughts racing through my head.  One, in particular, would not leave my mind…this disease is NOT going to break me.  All too often, life hands us lessons that a book can not teach.  The most powerful lesson, I believe, that has come out of my situation is LOVE. Love the person who is going through a rough situation by: laughing/crying together, being flexible, checking in, offer help and treat them the same.  I have been surrounded by love daily, and love, is what gets me through. At the end of the day LOVE always wins.

In December 2017, doctors diagnosed Brice Beaver, 50, of Murrysville with esophageal cancer consistent with long-term Barrett’s esophagus. After undergoing many tests, Brice opted to go out of his health plan’s network to participate in a clinical trial led by Johns Hopkins University and available through the Allegheny Health Network’s Esophageal and Lung Institute. Participation in the trial offers Brice access to the most cutting-edge treatments available to fight this deadly disease. Esophageal cancer is not only the fastest growing type of cancer in the US, but also the one that took his mother’s life at age 53.

Through the trial Brice receives immunotherapy as a supplement to chemotherapy and radiation. Researchers believe that immunotherapy helps the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells and enhances the effectiveness of chemo-radiation. After finishing immunotherapy and chemo-radiation at the end of March, Brice has six weeks to rest and recover before undergoing surgery. The surgical procedure, known as a minimally invasive esophagectomy, will be done by Dr. Blair Jobe, one of the nation’s preeminent esophageal disease specialists, pioneering surgeon, prolific researcher, and the trial’s Pittsburgh-based Principal Investigator. Brice is expected to be off from work for 4-6 weeks post-surgery.

Brice and his wife Julie, have been married for almost 27 years. After living in Vienna and then Reston Virginia for 10 years, they moved back to Murrysville in 2001. Brice and Julie have two sons, Brenden (20), who is a sophomore at the College of Saint Rose, and Garrett (16), who is a sophomore at Franklin Regional High School.

They were awarded $5600 by SOS on June 20, 2018 from the proceeds of the 2018 Miles of Smiles 5K and 1 Mile Walk.

Update: On July 23, 2020, Brice passed away due to his cancer.  Here is his obit from his passing: https://www.hartfuneralhomeinc.com/obituary/Brice-Beaver/services

SOS prays for strength, peace, and hope for the Beaver family and all those who have lost loved ones to cancer.

Brent is the youngest of three active boys. He loves mountain biking, swimming, music, singing, skiing, and anything outdoors. Forever keeping up with his brothers he has learned to push himself hard, not complain, but enjoy life as it comes.  

Brent’s life changed September 2017 when his physician discovered a lump that had not been there before. He underwent an ultra sound and initial surgery to remove the tumor.  Brent’s diagnosis was Rhabdomyosarcoma a form of soft tissue cancer that impacts 350 children annually in the US.

His diagnosis required an immediate second major surgery called retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy, he now has a scar from his sternum to below his belly button.  One week after surgery was Brent’s first Homecoming dance. Our first glimpse of his strength and unwillingness to give in to the diagnosis was evident as he went with friends and his date for pictures and dinner. He could not go to the dance as walking was a struggle.  The following week Brent started an aggressive 9 month Chemo plan designed to kill any remaining cancer cells. Chemotherapy impacts motor skills but undaunted Brent continued to swim for the school swim team. A fellow swimmer summed up Brent’s drive and attitude by saying, “ watching Brent always being the first off the wall for the next set inspired him to push through his own limitations.”    

The same drive and can do attitude Brent learned early in life pushes him onward not looking for sympathy and excuses but to achieve the next goal.  Chemo will conclude at the end of July 2018.  As a family, girlfriend, doctor, or community we support Brent and others in need.  In turn from Brent and his battle against cancer we receive inspiration to overcome our own adversity.       

They were awarded $5600 by SOS on June 20, 2018 from the proceeds of the 2018 Miles of Smiles 5K and 1 Mile Walk.

Everyone has a story to tell. This is Aubrey’s….

Prior to last January, life was typical for Aubrey Hussey, an adorable, 3-year old ball of energy who loves the color blue, Paw Patrol and playing with her older brothers, Nathan (9) and Ryan (6).

In one instant though, typical life changed for Aubrey and her family.

After spending an evening at the local YMCA pool, Aubrey’s mom, Patty, noticed tiny red dots on Aubrey’s chest that weren’t there earlier in the day, unaware that the seemingly harmless dots were petechiae, or very small blood vessels that have leaked or bled.

Concerned when the dots had not cleared up by morning, Patty took Aubrey to the walk-in clinic at their pediatrician’s office. Following a brief examination, the pediatrician advised Patty to call her husband Darren, arrange childcare for Nathan and Ryan, and immediately rush Aubrey to the ER at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh (CHP).  

Later that afternoon, physicians diagnosed Aubrey with leukemia, a progressive form of cancer originating in blood cells and bone marrow and the most common childhood cancer in children ages 2-4. Bloodwork and early testing revealed that Aubrey was suffering from pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia or ALL, a cancer that originates in the body’s B cells and suppresses the body’s ability to fight infection.

Due to the aggressive nature of the disease, treatment began immediately. Within three short days, Aubrey was implanted with a central venous port designed to administer chemotherapy and endured multiple transfusions, blood draws, several bone marrow biopsies and numerous spinal taps.

Aubrey is still in the beginning stages of care, with total treatment expected to last approximately two years. Following three more phases of intense, months-long chemotherapy, she will advance to a maintenance level of treatment, with hope of full remission.

Unfortunately, both the disease and treatment options have weakened Aubrey’s immune system, limiting the amount of exposure or interaction she can have with others. A simple fever can mean a trip to the ER.

Despite her struggle, Aubrey’s prognosis is good. She is doing well, surrounded by the support of wonderful family and friends.

They were awarded $5600 by SOS on June 20, 2018 from the proceeds of the 2018 Miles of Smiles 5K and 1 Mile Walk.

Brian Stroup, 48, of Murrysville was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in Jan 2011. In Brian’s seven years of fighting the cancer, he had endured radiation, 7 major surgeries and received 65 courses of chemotherapy.   Brian is married to his wife, Lisa, and their children are Conor (15), Emily (13), and Alayna (11).

Brian asked for SOS to add this statement from him:

“With faith,  I continue to fight for my friends, family, my wife and children.  And I will always fight this disease…..”

They were awarded $5600 by SOS on June 20, 2018 from the proceeds of the 2018 Miles of Smiles 5K and 1 Mile Walk.

They were awarded $8000 by SOS on June, 2016 from the proceeds of the 2016 Miles of Smiles 5K and 1 Mile Walk.

Update:

Brian passed away from complications to his cancer on September 3, 2021. Here is his obit from his passing: https://www.soxmanfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Brian-J-Stroup?obId=22240467

SOS prays for strength, peace, and hope for the Stroup family and all those who have lost loved ones to cancer.

The Chamberlain family has encountered many unfortunate events over the past several years. Beginning in February of 2013, Frank, Chris Chamberlain’s husband, was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. The doctors thought that he was having gallbladder issues never thinking it was something serious.  Frank was doing well with treatment until in November when the chemo stopped working. He quickly deteriorated and passed away one day short of a year of his diagnosis in February of 2014.

In September of 2016,  Chris Chamberlain had a mammogram done and docs found two tumors in her left breast. My doctor immediately sent her to a surgeon and they determined that she had stage 3 breast cancer. She is currently receiving chemo and will undergo surgery in March of 2017. After her surgery, Chris had have six weeks of radiation five days a week and will hopefully have a good prognosis.

They were awarded $5145 by SOS on June, 2017 from the proceeds of the 2017 Miles of Smiles 5K and 1 Mile Walk.

Ken has been out of work since the end of the month of october 2013 when he was diagnosed with three inoperable tumors on his spinal cord.  Ken’s neurosurgeon recommended that he apply for disability.    In June 2016,  Ken was diagnosed with bladder cancer.  He had surgery to remove it on August 4th, 2016.  The surgeon stated he was able to remove all the cancer during the surgery, but stated that there was a 90% chance the cancer could return.  Ken lives with his fiance, Lori, her son, Shayne (16), and his son, Justin (22). Ken had to return to limited work since Lori had back surgery and could not keep working as a nurse.  All of these medical needs for this family have caused the family a financial crisis that SOS hopes the race proceeds helped.

They were awarded $5145 by SOS on June, 2017 from the proceeds of the 2017 Miles of Smiles 5K and 1 Mile Walk.

Monica Pilyih a wife and mother of 3 daughters. She has dealt with health issues for over 20 years being due to being diagnosed with ITP and RA . In 2016, Monica received a diagnosis  of breast cancer and lymphoma.  Due to all the medical needs that Monica has faced, her family was facing extreme financial hardships.  SOS hopes that the proceeds from the race assisted Monica and her family.

They were awarded $5145 by SOS on June, 2017 from the proceeds of the 2017 Miles of Smiles 5K and 1 Mile Walk.

Robin Wareham, 54, of Murrysville was diagnosed with rectal cancer in Nov 2015.   Robin began treatment for her cancer shortly after that.  She was briefly hospitalized with complications of her treatment, but she found a way to persevere through and hopes to complete treatment in Aug 2016.  Robin is married to her husband, Jeff and their children are Matthew (18) and Michael (16). Michael was very active in SOS while at the Middle School.   After Robin completed her initial treatment regiment for rectal cancer, doctors discovered that the cancer had metastasized and moved to her lungs.  On March 17th, 2017, Robin had surgery on her one lung to remove the two spots on her one lung.  The spot on her other lung will have to wait for a future surgery.  The newer diagnosis in 2017 is why she was chosen a recipient for 2017 as well as a 2016 recipient.

They were awarded $5145 by SOS on June, 2017 from the proceeds of the 2017 Miles of Smiles 5K and 1 Mile Walk.

They were awarded $8000 by SOS on June, 2016 from the proceeds of the 2016 Miles of Smiles 5K and 1 Mile Walk.

Update:

Robin passed away from complications of her cancer on March 2, 2019.  Here is her obituary from passing: https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/postgazette/obituary.aspx?n=robin-lynn-wareham&pid=193414190&fhid=9737. SOS prays for peace, health, and fortitude for Jeff and his family as they mourn the passing of Robin.

Stephen Johnston, 54, of Murrysville was diagnosed with rare and aggressive type of bladder cancer in Nov 2015.  Stephen had his first surgery in Dec 2015, and he will started treatments starting in Feb 2016.  Stephen is married to his wife, Kathy, and their children are Ethan (17), Zack (14), and Jonah (11).  Their son, Zack, has attended SOS events, such as the Homeless Shelter Clothing Donation trip.

They were awarded $8000 by SOS on June, 2016 from the proceeds of the 2016 Miles of Smiles 5K and 1 Mile Walk.

Update:

Stephen passed away from complications of his cancer on March 2, 2019.  Here is his obituary from his passing: https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/stephen-johnston-obituary?pid=191746160.

SOS prays for peace, health, and fortitude for Kathy and her family as they mourn the passing of Stephen.

Christine Laliberte, 52, of Murrysville was diagnosed with rectal cancer in Sept 2014.  Christine has endured several surgeries and chemotherapy over the last few years.  Christine has also dealt with the complications of suffering a stroke, needing a ileostomy bag due to surgery, and multiple severe infections.  Christine lives with her daughter, Tori (16) and has 3 older children. Tori was a SOS member for multiple years while at the middle school.

They were awarded $8000 by SOS on June, 2016 from the proceeds of the 2016 Miles of Smiles 5K and 1 Mile Walk.

Lorri’s family respectfully declined a portion of the net proceeds in 2013 since they felt Plum families has been so good to them during her continuing struggle through leukemia.  Lorri was the person who suggested that SOS reach out to the family of Susan Pinal (see above) to determine if the Pinal family would consider a portion of the net proceeds.  This is just one of countless example of love for others that Lorri and her family has witnessed to her friends, family, and the Serving Other Souls organization.  We are in awe of her courage and SOS believes that Lorri Nixon is a true American hero.

Lorri Nixon is a mom of three who is battling Leukemia. She and her husband Tom reside in Plum Borough with their son and two daughters. Lorri suffered a cerebral aneursym in 1996 and developed hard to control seizures after the surgery. In 2007, Lorri had a mini-stroke and they discovered she had a serious blood disorder called Aplastic Anemia. She then developed Leukemia. She has undergone many blood transfusions, rounds of chemotherapy and clinical trials and they have not been able to get her into remission. Lorri has also endured a great amount of bone pain, physical exhaustion, and long periods of isolation due to a compromised immune system. She was an elementary teacher and reading specialist before she became ill and has tutored many children in our community.  Lorri has a strong faith in God and cherishes each day she has with her family.

They were awarded $11000 by SOS on June, 2015 from the proceeds of the 2015 Miles of Smiles 5K and 1 Mile Walk.

They were awarded $4400 by SOS on Sept. 2012 from the proceeds of the 2012 Miles of Smiles 5K and 1 Mile Walk.

Have you heard the crack of the bat? …the cheers of the crowd? …or seen the smiles of the players when they take the field?  There is something about playing the game that lights up a youngster’s eyes.  But for people facing serious physical and mental disabilities that opportunity has often been difficult to achieve.  The Miracle League of Western PA removes the barriers that keep people with mental and physical disabilities off the baseball field and lets them experience the joy of America’s favorite pastime.  Our Miracle League teams play on a custom-designed, rubberized turf field that accommodates wheelchairs and other assertive devices while helping to prevent injuries.  But it’s more than playing a game. The Miracle League is about making new friends, building self-esteem and being treated just like other kids.  To help the athletes, the Miracle League uses a “buddy” system – pairing each player with an able-bodied peer.  The result is a bond that cannot be described.

They were awarded $8575 by SOS on June, 2015 from the proceeds of the 2015 Miles of Smiles 5K and 1 Mile Walk.

Bruce Linhart, 48, of Plum,  suffered from Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC).  PSC is a disease of the bile ducts that causes inflammation and subsequent obstruction of bile ducts both inside and outside the liver level. The inflammation impeded the flow of bile to  the gut, which could ultimately lead to cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure and liver cancer.  .  Bruce’s health forced him to leave his work at HJ Heinz in Nov. 2012.  In Nov. 2013, Bruce received a portion of his relative’s (Andrew) liver, and the live-donor transplant was a massive success, and Bruce is healthy and back at work.  

They were awarded $9600 by SOS on Sept. 2013 from the proceeds of the 2013 Miles of Smiles 5K and 1 Mile Walk.

Susan Ann (Clancy) Pinal, teacher and librarian for Plum Borough School District, passed away on May 30, 2013 at the age of 36. Susan was the wife of Rudy Pinal and mother of Daniel (3.5 years old) and Michael (5 months). Susan died suddenly and unexpectedly as a result of bilateral pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis.  According to Mr. Pinal, it is very difficult to know when a person may have a clot that is caused by deep vein thrombosis or if a person’s blood is more likely to form clots than other individuals.  He also stated that the bilateral pulmonary embolism is very hard to correct once it has started. 50% of net proceeds of the race were donated to Susan’s Memorial Fund for Daniel & Michael’s future educational endeavors.

They were awarded $9600 by SOS on Sept. 2013 from the proceeds of the 2013 Miles of Smiles 5K and 1 Mile Walk.

Kristin Croyle and her family were recipients of one-third of the net proceeds from the 2012 Miles of Smiles for the Gals ($4,400).  “Kristin Croyle was very passionate about her family of five boys and three girls and her loving husband, Lance.  Not only was she nurturing to her family but to everyone who knew her.  Kristin lived her life by the word of the Lord. Her incredible drive to help and do things for others had a very special way of building faith and strength in the people that met her and knew her.  In December of 2011, Kristin was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer.  On August 12, 2012, after an intense battle, determination and strong will to be here to raise her children, the Lord took her home.  Along this short journey, Kristin unknowingly brought so many people together with her faith, hope, and passion for the Lord and her family.  Her love and spirit will continue to bless our hearts.”

They were awarded $4400 by SOS on Sept. 2012 from the proceeds of the 2012 Miles of Smiles 5K and 1 Mile Walk.

Sunny Carney and her family were recipients of all net proceeds from 2008- 2011 MOS 5K (non-SOS event from 2008-2011, so SOS has no records of what Sunny received from these events). Our race’s namesake passed away from carcinoid cancer on Nov.3, 2012, the morning before the 2012 Miles of Smiles 5K.  The race the following day was an amazing tribute to a strong and remarkable woman.  Since the inception of this race, the MOS 5K events have allowed so many people to share their financial and emotional support with Sunny and now other needy souls, and in return, these races provided Sunny and the others that we serve with the faith, hope, and love to help in their fight of the incurable diseases.  The blurb below was Sunny’s original data that her family presented to SOS to share, and we left it unchanged as a testament to the legacy that she forged and her family, friends, and SOS tries to help other remember to inspire us all in our moments of need.

Sunny Carney lived in Plum Borough with her husband, Mark, and their three sons. After over a decade of suffering from carcinoid Cancer, Sunny Jennings Carney has decided to fight back. She had currently undergone two proven treatments in Basel, Switzerland and is planning to return for two more. She also went to Houston, Texas for a six month period to undergo experimental treatments that looked promising but are not FDA approved. She had exhausted all the FDA approved treatments here in the United States and will not accept that this is all there is for her. She has dedicated her fight to help others understand this rare cancer and to find successful treatments in the United States. Her strong faith in God and will to never quit has turned a 6 month life expectancy to multiple years before she passed in 2012.

They were awarded $4400 by SOS on Sept. 2012 from the proceeds of the 2012 Miles of Smiles 5K and 1 Mile Walk.

The 2008-2011 Miles of Smiles 5K race were conducted by Running for a Reason, and SOS does not have access to what monies were awarded to Sunny during these races.