OHIO COUNTY, WV — As runners wrapped up day two of the Debbie Green 5K activities, they’ve been at Heritage Port with a common goal. 3.1 miles, and to raise money for pediatric cancer.
“It’s just amazing to have everybody together and doing the race again,” Race Coordinator and Debbie Green’s brother Ron Green said. “It’s fantastic to see everybody.”
5K’s are held nationwide every year, but it’s been two years since the last Debbie Green Run in Wheeling. Debbie Green passed away of leukemia in 1972 and ever since, her family has been raising money for pediatric cancer patients with events like this.
“That’s what it’s all about,” Ron Green said. “Debbie and the three kids we’re helping out this year. It makes you feel good. We’re here on a Sunday doing a great thing and helping sick children. That’s what it’s all about for me.”
Heritage Port acted as the perfect host for not only the run’s finish line, but also a good way to show how an area can come together.
“It’s a big event,” Ron Green said. “The city of Wheeling has been fantastic for everybody and businesses. The arena, the water front, it’s just a fantastic to put on this type of event.”
For those in the family who not only helped set up, but also ran, like Joseph Green, says seeing the patients he’s assisted over the years run is something special.
“All the kids with the cancer, with treatments, most of them have actually recovered,” Joseph Green said. “So it’s nice to see that and see them come through remission. It’s special because you just remember what they were at one point and see them overcome the deadly disease they’ve contracted. Now look at them.”
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