Thousands of runners took to the pavement Sunday to raise money for a Valley breast cancer center in the 10th annual Panerathon.
People laced up their running or walking shoes and took part in a 10K or 2-mile walk that helps provide funding for the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center in Youngstown.
21 WFMJ'S Team Peacock helped raise awareness and money for the Panerathon, which provides funds for women who can't afford diagnostic tests and treatment.
In all, more than 300 teams and 110 sponsors participated in the event.
"We estimate around 12,000 people came out for the 10th annual Panerathon," said Marketing Director for Covelli Enterprises Ashlee Mauti.
College students also did their part in the race.
Kentrell Lodge, who is from Cleveland and is a Kent State Architectural student, took part in the walk.
"I think it's fantastic. They said that 100 percent of the proceeds go there as well. I just love that. It's great," said Lodge.
Many businesses like Sweeney Chevrolet and Buick had teams participate.
"We have groups of people walking. My grandma was diagnosed with breast cancer, both of them, so I am kind of walking for them too as well," said Terra O'Brien.
Others ran in memory of a loved one who lost their battle with an illness.
Sarah Reichard from Canfield was cheered on by her husband and kids.
"My dad had Parkinson's, and I decided I should get moving, just because I can. So I really started running for him. I think this is a great event. Kudos to the Covelli family, and all of the sponsors. They do a great job organizing this event," said Reichard.
Maria Rodriguez and Liz Mackey from Youngstown had messages of love for Anna Morales, who found out three days ago her cancer was back and had spread.
Morales had planned on walking the Panerathon with her sister Maria, and her sister in pink, Liz.
"I'm from New York. I am here visiting and walking in honor of my sister Anna Morales. We love you, Anna, you are not alone," said Rodriguez.
"When we leave here we are going to go to Saint Elizabeth's and Anna is going to try and use a walker and just take one lap around the hospital floor, you know to walk for the Panerathon," said Mackey, a breast cancer survivor.
In 2016, funds for the Panerathon helped buy the mobile 3-D mammography unit.
It travels to 26 communities and helps break down barriers to women who don't have access to cars or transportation.
The Panerathon helps fund the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center and its promise of treating those who cannot pay.
Sunday's run surpassed three million dollars raised in the last decade.
Dr. Rashid Abdu's wife Joanie, a nurse, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993.
They traveled between facilities and experienced long delays.
They also traveled to other facilities in Cleveland, Pittsburgh and beyond to receive treatments not yet available locally back then.
Dr. Abdu promised his wife before her death that Youngstown would have a comprehensive breast care center in her name so that others would not suffer as she did.
It took 18 years of planning and research and even donating his own funds to help create the Center before his dream came true.
In 2011, he was able to open the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown.
"We have a beautiful community. They understood our mission. They embraced it. It has become a community project, and I am so grateful," said Dr. Abdu.