Paternostro Cancer Foundation

05/30/2026

These monthly runs are not always convenient nor is the weather always cooperative, but they have become an important part of the cadence of my life over the past 13+ years.

Today, I am running the For Their Tomorrow 5K in Danville. One of the unexpected gifts of these monthly runs has been the opportunity to connect with meaningful causes. Along the way, I’ve been inspired by countless individuals whose kindness and generosity are driven by a simple belief: that helping those in need is among the most important things we can do in this life.

It has become my personal calling, too. While there is always a reason to stop, the reason to keep going has always spoken more powerfully to my heart.

I hope to see you out there along the road someday. 🤍

Year 14, Month 5, Race #161

05/28/2026

Representatives of the Paternostro family were pleased to present the 2026 Paternostro Family Foundation Memorial Scholarship $1,000.00 cash award to Miss Ava Gorg during a visit to the East Lycoming School District on May 27, 2026. Miss Gorg is a member of the Hughesville High School Class of 2026.

“We were very impressed with the quality and accomplishments of all of the applicants but felt that Ava best represented the essence of this award,” remarked Krista Paternostro Bower, chairman and founder of the Paternostro Cancer Foundation. “This memorial award provides a meaningful way to continue the legacy of our dad and Kass by helping graduates pursue their own passions,” she remarked.

Ava will attend the University of Chicago in the fall majoring in molecular engineering. About the selection of her major, Miss Gorg noted “I am fascinated by the intersection of science and engineering and how innovation in these fields can solve complex problems.” She further observed, “I hope to contribute to the development of new technologies and treatments that can improve lives and offer hope to families.”

Ava has been actively involved in both school and community throughout high school. Her commitment to service included volunteering with the Youth Development Task Force and National Honor Society, as well as providing SAT tutoring through Schoolhouse.world.

A dedicated student-athlete, Ava participated in softball, volleyball, and track and field during high school. She was also highly engaged in school organizations, including FBLA, Community Service Club, Spirit Club, Ski Club, SADD, Scholastic Scrimmage, and as a class officer, demonstrating strong leadership, school spirit, and a continued commitment to serving both her peers and the wider community.

“We wish Ava continued success wherever life leads her. We are confident she will continue to make meaningful contributions and excel in whatever endeavors she chooses,” remarked Bower.

Since 2013, the Paternostro Family Foundation (DBA the Paternostro Cancer Foundation) has awarded scholarships to 24 graduates of Hughesville High School totaling $15,100.00 in scholarship awards.

05/13/2026

Today we recognize and thank Michael LaBant for sharing his time, compassion, and calming presence through his Tai Chi Qigong session for this month’s Essence of You program.

Michael is a Certified Qigong, Meditation and Tai Chi instructor with the National Qigong Association, the American Tai Chi & Qigong Association, and the Tai Chi for Health Association.

During the hour-long session, participants were guided through gentle movement, relaxation, breathing, and meditation techniques designed to promote peace, mindfulness, and emotional well-being. Michael’s dedication created a supportive space where patients could pause, recharge, and focus on healing both mind and body.

In its sixth year, Essence of You is a partnership between the Susquehanna Health Foundation and the Paternostro Cancer Foundation, offering bi-monthly health and wellness sessions to support patients during and after cancer treatment at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Williamsport.



🤍🤍

05/04/2026

Thinking of Kass today on her 54th birthday. Happy heavenly birthday, Kass. We love & miss you. 😘

04/25/2026

⭐️ 160 races. 13 years and 4 months. Every single month. With eyes on 200! ⭐️

The Finish Line. I love the finish line. It’s a place to reflect and gather perspective after a run: grab a water, look back at other runners/walkers crossing the line after you, admiring those who finished ahead of you. It provides a moment of reflection and of purpose, and crossing it brings a smile while your inner voice says, “I did that.” But, I’m not defined by my finish lines. I define myself by continuing to show up at the start line, no matter what life is serving up at the time.

14+ years ago I started these monthly runs as a way to cope with loss, and over these many years, it has become a promise I refuse to break. Some races feel strong. Some feel impossible. But every start line is a reminder: grief can move you forward if you allow it.

This journey has never been about medals or finish times to me. It’s about love. It’s about living a purposeful life, building resilience, and proving that even in the busiest, hardest seasons, we can keep going.♥️

Year 14, Month 4, Race #160
Lycoming Country SPCA Paws 5K
South Williamsport, PA

The best parts: I completed my 100th run during this race in 2021, and on both days, I crossed the finish line surrounded by the most lovable engines of unconditional love: doggies! 🐶🤍 Thank you Lycoming County SPCA for a fantastic race experience today. 🙌🏻

03/21/2026

⭐️ Year 14, Month 3, Race #159 ⭐️

I dedicate today’s race to my mom, as today is her birthday. She is the epitome of resourcefulness and resilience. She lives each day at the intersection of happiness & loss and she does it with amazing grace. 🤍

Also, every time I see an eagle, I see my dad, powerful and soaring above to watch over us. On the way to the race this morning, the most majestic eagle soared ahead me and then made a sharp turn to the right and turned back and flew towards and right above my car. Dad. 🦅🤍

Who would we be without the unconditional love and sacrifice of our parents?

God Bless them all. ♥️

Park Run, Williamsport, PA

03/14/2026

We love this program & our partnership with Susquehanna Health Foundation. Special thanks to Carnie Datres & Desiree Aversa and the entire team from Kitchen Repose for being wonderful hosts & for providing important healthy eating information to our attendees. 🤍

03/13/2026

Thank you to every person who supported us during this year’s Raise the Region!

03/11/2026

We are here and excited to raise money for local families facing cancer! 🤍

🔥 Raise the Region 🔥

Please consider supporting the Paternostro Cancer Foundation during this year’s Raise the Region online fundraising event.

Giving begins at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 and continues through midnight on Thursday, March 12.

If you would like to donate, please use this link: https://www.raisetheregion.org/organizations/paternostro-cancer-foundation

On our giving page, you will see how your donation directly impacts those facing cancer in our communities. We are proud of our commitment to providing key programs and services to those who fight.

We understand that caring for and helping others is the universal thread that connects us all. You can trust that every dollar donated to our Foundation will be used to directly impact a deserving family.

Together, we are making a difference in our community! ♥️♥️

**This image popped up in my Facebook memories today. Our Dad’s words continue to inspire us every day. We miss his presence, his wisdom, and his love; but know that he would be proud that we kept going when it would have been so easy to stop. 💛**

03/10/2026

🔥 Raise the Region 🔥

Please consider supporting the Paternostro Cancer Foundation during this year’s Raise the Region online fundraising event.

Giving begins at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 and continues through midnight on Thursday, March 12.

If you would like to donate, please use this link: https://www.raisetheregion.org/organizations/paternostro-cancer-foundation

On our giving page, you will see how your donation directly impacts those facing cancer in our communities. We are proud of our commitment to providing key programs and services to those who fight.

We understand that caring for and helping others is the universal thread that connects us all. You can trust that every dollar donated to our Foundation will be used to directly impact a deserving family.

Together, we are making a difference in our community! ♥️♥️

**This image popped up in my Facebook memories today. Our Dad’s words continue to inspire us every day. We miss his presence, his wisdom, and his love; but know that he would be proud that we kept going when it would have been so easy to stop. 💛**