Matthew’s Hope 4 Miracles 5K Run & Walk will return in person on Saturday, July 23, at Nay Aug Park, for the first time since 2019.
Submitted photo
SCRANTON — Matthew’s Hope 4 Miracles 5K Run & Walk will return on Saturday, July 23, at Nay Aug Park. After last year’s cancellation and the two before being virtual, the event is back in person like the very first one in 2019. But this time, with a “more family-friendly vibe.”
A family fun festival has been added to the race. Matthew McDonnell, a soon-to-be 7th grade student at Abington Heights Middle School, was diagnosed with a rare form of Wilm’s Tumor (kidney cancer) at age three. After defeating this disease five times, he started a non-profit organization called “Matthew’s Hope 4 Miracles.” It raises awareness of the lack of funding for pediatric cancer research.
“The reason I am so happy to help children is so that they can have a happy and normal life,” said Matthew. “I am so excited to see everyone back again at Nay Aug Park after not being able to see people for two years because of the pandemic. It’s going to be such a memorable event!”
This year’s event will be in memory of the McDonnells’ family friend Nathan Gray, an 8-year-old who died of cancer on Jan. 6. His mother Tricia Gray first met Matthew’s father Patrick McDonnell six years ago in a Wilm’s Tumor Facebook caregiver group when trying to help their sons. They then realized that they lived close to each other. Tricia and Matthew’s mother Linda McDonnell became friends ever since.
“It’s beautiful how God can bring people together during hard times,” said Linda. Tricia describes her son Nathan as an “old soul” due to his compassion for others to the extent that he blessed himself as he heard other children crying in the hospital.
“He loved God, his family and friends, especially his brother and sister (Jeffrey, 10, Natalie, 7),” said Tricia. “He was determined to be the best at whatever he did, sometimes stubborn (a trait I’m grateful for because it’s the attitude that kept him fighting as long as he could). He was also a jokester and kept us laughing, his smile and his laugh were contagious and what we miss the most.”
Tricia praised Matthew for his selflessness and willingness to help other children.
“Matthew is also one determined young man,” she said. “His drive to help others amazes me. I am grateful for all the work him and his parents do to provide funding for research, even though it’s late for us, there’s thousands of others who need it. Matthew knows the harsh reality of childhood cancer first hand, and I know losing his little buddy has knocked him down but didn’t break his spirit to do whatever he can to help.”
The event will have the annual race, in which medals will be awarded for the top male and female in each age group (12 and under, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+) and a gift card for the overall male and female. Local food vendors, small businesses, basket raffle and children’s activities such as carnival games will be all around Nay Park during the race.
“Because it’s in memory of our friend and his family, we wanted to have a very family-friendly vibe,” said Linda. “
A new, woman-owned business called The Welsh Tea Shoppe LLC will offer Welsh cookies and Celtic teas, which are made in a licensed kitchen in Clarks Summit.
“We only recently learned of this incredible cause,” said Beth Roby, owner of The Welsh Tea Shoppe LLC. “No child should have to suffer from something like cancer. Nor should their families suffer under the weight of financial strain as they go through this with their child. We think what Matthew’s Hope 4 Miracles does to help these families is so compassionate and admirable. We are honored and proud to be a part of this event.”
Other vendors will include Santi’s Specialties (Old Forge-style pizza and wing bites), Luminosa Designs (candles), Lil Sofia’s Jewelry Box (personalized items), Molly’s Bowtique & Bands (bows and accessories), Just Craftin’ Around (houseware items). There will also be face painting by Katherine Schkloven-Henkel, owner of Spirited Art in Dickson City. Balloon animals will be made by Incredible Parties. Mannings Ice Cream will also have their ice cream truck. The McDonnell family has a stretch monetary goal, which is to raise $15,000.
“We are grateful for whatever we raise because we know it’s all for the kids,” said Linda. “I just trust that God will use it wisely in a way that will benefit the children the most.”
The McDonnell family hasn’t decided which facility they will donate to this year but a portion of the donations will go to a sub fund, which will help local families with children that have serious illnesses. Many sponsors will help with the funds including its presenting sponsor NET Credit Union.
“Matthew holds a special place in all of our hearts,” said Lauren Pabst, marketing manager of NET Credit Union. “We’ve known him for many years, and it’s great to see that he’s helping out … (sponsorship) was an easy yes since Matthew is so special to all of us. It’s great to see such a young kid make such a large impact in the community.”
Other sponsors include Toyota of Scranton, Pizza Avenue, and Bella Natura. Attendees of the event are encouraged to wear orange because it was Nathan’s favorite color. “This year’s race is very important since it’s in honor of my friend, Nathan Gray,” said Matthew.
Registration for the race starts at 7:30 a.m. The race itself starts at 9 a.m.
