Cleveland 5k Results 2021: Raising Money for Migraine

The Cleveland 5k, 2-mile walk and relax event took place on July 17, 2021. It was a rainy but fun success! We are raising money for migraine and building local communities each time we gather. All funds raised benefit the Cleveland Clinic to support local migraine research and fellowship training programs. Team My Migraine Life came through BIG TIME! It took place in South Mastick Picnic Area, Fairview Park, OH. Check out the logistics of the migraine event.

Raising Money for Migraine

Sarah’s team page results

This year, I was able to fundraise $4,258.05

Overall, team My Migraine Life has raised over $10,000 in the past 4 years!

Approximately 50 people/families donated to Team My Migraine Life.

9 members registered to walk/run in person

Miles for Migraine Cleveland raised $8,764.01

Raising Migraine Awareness

Prior to the race start, we heard from both a patient and provider from the Cleveland area. I began announcements by thanking the sponsors. These events would not be possible without sponsors! Thank you to Amgen, Teva, Lilly, AbbVie, Lundbeck, Biohaven and Theranica. I was honored with the largest team and fundraising award.

Next, I introduced Dr. Asrushi Sunja.  Dr. Sunja and I were first connected through the Miles for Migraine fellows and advocacy training program. While we went through the training sessions, we also advocated at Headache on the Hill for team Ohio. It was amazing to finally meet her in person and hear her provider’s perspective. She spoke about how the Cleveland Clinic is using its funds to make strides towards a better migraine world, specifically in Cleveland.

Next up, was Kristi Estep. Kristi was given the spirit and advocacy award. She is a warrior in the migraine advocacy world and she sparkled the way only the Sparkly Aura can. Kristi was also on team Ohio for Headache on the Hill and we were excited to be united.  Not only did Kristi receive awards and speak, but she also represented Chronic Migraine Awareness, inc. at a booth giving information and support.

Cleveland 5k Run 2021

As the rain came down and the race started, I was so impressed with the Cleveland 5k runners. I’ve never been a runner and watching people take off and finish quickly was exciting. At the events, walk, run and relax are the options. I chose to hang back and cheer this year. While the walkers and runners took off, I visited the tents and welcomed back the runners and walkers.  Regardless of your activity level, there’s a way to participate. Dancing in the rain was my movement that day and it gave me such strength just to watch the crowd and know that it is benefiting migraine disease and the people of Cleveland.

Cleveland Walk Events 2021

After the runners took off, the walkers strolled by. My team was mostly walkers and they braved the rain and came back laughing. I walked through the finish line with my parents and children. It’s always a powerful feeling to have my support system take step after wet step to honor my journey and the generations of women that have lived with migraine in my family. Both of my parents watched their mothers live and battle migraine. I have memories of watching my mom do the same and now my kids are doing the same. It’s always a reminder to me that generations have been impacted by this neurological disease and that it will only continue if we don’t force change. Change can only be made with fundraising and raising awareness and we did it all that day!

Cleveland Virtual Walk 2021

Virtual walk events are still going on all year. If you are unable to attend an event in person, you can still be raising money for migraine. Virtually fundraising and participating is always an option.  You can participate at your convenience with a walk/run or relax event. Miles for Migraine encourages all types of movement: mind, body, and advocacy.  Knowing that exercise is not always an option for someone living with migraine, relaxing activities are encouraged. Self-care is important and only you know what feels best and in the best way to honor the fight against migraine. Last year, I participated virtually, socially distanced, and in self-care activities. There’s always a way to be a part of the movement.

Conclusion

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU,  to all of those who helped with raising money for migraine. By participating in the Cleveland 5k run, walk and relax events makes an enormous difference! I look forward to this event every year and the weather drastically changes every time. We have battled the cold, the heat, a year of a pandemic, and now the rain. Nothing holds back our fierce advocates and I’m so proud to be surrounded by the Cleveland community that stepped up to support the migraine community and raise funds to make a difference.

Check out a walk/run/event near you

Past Cleveland 5k Run, 2 Mile Walk, and Relax Events

2020

2019

2018

2017