Just ask Tonya Pellegrini-Lawrence. Her friend from the age of 12, Kristen LaVoy, passed away Sept. 1, 2004 and Pellegrini-Lawrence is keeping her friend’s memory alive.
Pellegrini-Lawrence is coordinating a 5K run/walk later this year with three goals in mind: the money raised will benefit a student or prospective student at Lavoy’s alma mater, Saratoga Central Catholic, promote a healthy and active lifestyle, along with the spirit of competition and good sportsmanship, and raise awareness of organ donation.
Pellegrini-Lawrence said LaVoy was never a runner or sports enthusiast, but holding a 5K was the best way to bring people of all ages out to support the event. She said the run/walk doesn’t exclude anyone.
The Saratoga Central Catholic Kristen LaVoy 5K run/walk is scheduled for Sunday, May 4 at the Spa State Park. Pellegrini-Lawrence said the National Kidney Foundation of Northeast New York will be at the race with information about kidney disease and organ donation.
LaVoy was diagnosed with “focal glomerulonephritis” auto ammune disease at the age of 18 and battled it until she was 36. Pellegrini-Lawrence said her friend put others first even though she was battling.
“She had a lot of courage and strength,” she said.
She said when LaVoy was ill, she would take her dog Noah to cheer up others.
Pellegrini-Lawrence chose an elephant for the logo of the event because the animal stands for strength and courage.
“I thought it was fitting,” she said.
Chris Signor, principal of Saratoga Central Catholic, agrees. He knew LaVoy in high school. He graduated a few years ahead of her and she was friends with his sister. He said he found out while he was at college and was shocked when he heard the news of her diagnosis.
“The logo symbolizes her life,” Signor said. “We want to celebrate her life, not her death, with this run.”
He said having Pellegrini-Lawrence coordinate this fundraiser, says a lot about their friendship.
LaVoy’s twin donated a kidney. Signor said LaVoy battled and that it was a roller coaster ride for the family for many years.
“Her twin sister was very supportive and heroic too,” Signor said.
He said Pellegrini-Lawrence contacted him and told him of her idea last year when the school was putting together a girls cross country team. He said the team will be volunteering at the event and participating in the run.
Pellegrini-Lawrence didn’t put a goal for how much she’d like to raise, but she did say she wants to raise as much as possible.
Signor said the money will go into the school’s scholarship fund for students that have financial needs.
“We’ve already identified the first recipient,” Signor said. “All the proceeds will go to this child’s tuition next year.”
“I hope this becomes a staple event in Saratoga,” Pellegrini-Lawrence said.
She said LaVoy lived for Saratoga Race Course and lived life to its fullest.
“No matter how sick she was, she always gave back and put others first,” Mark Lawrence said.
Lawrence said anyone interested in sponsoring the event or signing up should go to www.active.com and type in the 12866 zip code to find the Saratoga Central Catholic Kristen LaVoy 5K run/walk.
For more information contact Lawrence at klavoy5k@yahoo.com or call 928-5808.
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