RUNWAY FOR AWEARNESS

Runway For Awearness

In 2009, Pat DiNunzio was diagnosed with Stage 3C ovarian cancer. A fierce advocate for her own care, she left no stone unturned in seeking the latest advancements in research and experimental treatments. Her tireless fight for her own life was only bested by her compassion for others: rather than sit quietly in a waiting room or during chemotherapy, Pat would garner the strength to comfort others and often stepped in to help with insurance or treatment roadblocks. Like many women diagnosed with ovarian cancer, Pat’s symptoms were a mystery to doctors for a year-and-a-half before her diagnosis, which came after the cancer had metastasized. Ovarian cancer often causes no obvious symptoms in the beginning; the most common symptoms (bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, and urinary issues) are often symptoms of other noncancerous conditions, making diagnosis difficult. By the time a patient is diagnosed, the cancer has usually spread. In 2010, fueled by her passion for helping others and her drive to empower women to become their own healthcare advocates, she founded the Patricia A. DiNunzio Ovarian Cancer Fund. This 501(c)(3)public charity provides new gynecological cancer patient education, community awareness for the signs and symptoms for ovarian cancer and nursing scholarships. The fund also supports OhioHealth Hospice Kobacker House; Room 25 at Kobacker House is dedicated to Pat in her honor. Shortly after starting the fund, Pat threw herself into fundraising and created the Runway to Awearness Fashion Show. The fashion show blended her zest for fashion with a desire to raise money for the Fund’s mission. Sadly, in June 2014, Pat lost her battle to ovarian cancer at the age of 52, but friends and family continue the tradition in a determination to keep Pat’s legacy alive. To date, the “Runway to Awearness” Fashion Show has raised over $450,000 and funded reseqarch and patient-comfort projects at The James, OhioHealth Hospice, and Kobacker House. The 13th Annual Runway to Awearness Fashion Show will take place Wednesday, September 27, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at THE FIVES. The show will highlight the latest fashions presented by Léal Boutique.For more information or to buy tickets, visit patdinunzio.org. sl