04/23/2026
🏅 Runner Spotlight! 🏅
Tanrak Ploykao, 4 North Progressive Care Nurse, UPMC Passavant🏃♂️
"Running the Pittsburgh Marathon is deeply meaningful to me because it represents both mental and physical strength. I first discovered my passion for running during my time in the Army, and it has continued to be a steady source of grounding—especially on the toughest days at work. This year, I’m running in support of the Passavant Hospital Foundation’s Cancer Care Fund, honoring my patients and their families. Their courage, resilience, and shared experiences of hardship and hope inspire me every day in the care I provide at Passavant."
This year, our team is working toward an $8,000 goal to support the Passavant Hospital Foundation Cancer Care Fund, which helps oncology patients with basic needs like food, shelter, and transportation during treatment. Since 2014, this fund has supported over 370 patients, totaling nearly $137,000 in assistance.
Meet our 2026 Marathon Team:
• Lindsey Becker – UPMC Passavant
• Brock Borgo – Student - University of Pittsburgh - Oakland Campus - H2P
• Kelley Campbell – UPMC Passavant
• Chrissy Dummer – Community Member, Audacy & Appalachian Running Company
• Cheryl A. Frey – Community Member and Grateful Patient
• Sarah Goughnour – Pulmonary Partners, UPMC Passavant
• Yuri Howard – Senior Patient & Family Concierge - 4 South, UPMC Passavant
• Cathryn Kirk – Pulmonary Partners, UPMC Passavant
• Christian Liberto – Student - University of Pittsburgh - Oakland Campus - H2P
• Zach Perpetua – UPMC Experience and Nursing Excellence Specialist, UPMC Passavant
• Tanrak Ployako – UPMC Passavant
• Emily Shimko – Community Member & Associate Professor of Health Sciences, La Roche University
•Justin Sliwoski, PA-C – Orthopedic Surgery, UPMC Passavant
📲 Support our runners: Click the link https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/26PHFMarathon to donate or text 26PHFMarathon to 71777
💬 Interested in joining the team? Email Amanda French at [email protected]
