As it often does, the Centre County community is rallying around one of its own.
Jamie Barbarich Covol is an Autistic Support Teacher at the Mount Nittany Elementary School in State College. She also has a brain tumor.
At 11 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27, there will be a Team Snap 5K race/walk at Tudek Park in State College. Pre-registration for the race ends on Sunday, Sept. 13.
Kerri Warner is a friend and colleague of Barbarich Covol. She’s one of the race organizers.
“She is one of the most positive people I’ve ever met,” Warner said. “She is just so positive. She makes every day count. I can’t say enough good things about her. She’s just a good person all around.”
This will be the second year for the race.
“It was started last year by a parent of one of her students,” Warner explained. “They were just talking and thought it would be a good thing.”
Barbarich Covol was diagnosed with a brain tumor nine years ago. Since then, she has inspired many.
“This journey has been like a race with a series of hills and valleys,” Barbarich Covol said. “This year has proved to be one of those hills. We are very optimistic about the future and are in no way complaining.”
Proceeds from the race will be donated to the National Brain Tumor Society.
Last year, Warner said that they expected around 100 people to take part in the event and 400 showed up.
“She is very loved,” Warner said.
Warner said that you don’t have to be a runner — or even a walker — to take part.
“You can just make a monetary donation if you like. You don’t have to run. We do the race first, but we also have the fun run for families,” Warner said.
There will be a large contingent from Mount Nittany Elementary School, according to Warner.
“A lot of her students go and they like to run through the finish line repeatedly,” Warner said with a laugh. “This year, we’re going to have a lot of activities for the kids to do while they’re waiting.”
With the race just a couple of weeks away, Warner said that everyone is getting geared up for the event.
“I think everyone is excited. We’re all dying our hair purple Saturday (before the race). We all dyed our hair purple last year. This year, I think we have 95 people signed up to get their hair dyed,” Warner said.
Even though Barbarich Covol teaches at Mount Nittany Elementary, the event has become popular district-wide.
“It’s exciting … our school got involved and a lot of other schools in the district got involved. It was really kind of nice,” Warner said.
It’s a reflection of the community, Warner said.
“When something like this happens and you see the community come together, it’s really awesome,” Warner said.
Barbarich Covol agrees.
“We can’t control what happens to us but we can control our attitude,” she said. “We are very blessed to live in this wonderful community with wonderful people, and no matter what happens to me, I know my children will be okay.”
Cost to take part in the race is $20 per individual and $30 per family. Children under 6 are free.
For more information about the race, contact Ann Mallison at amallison01@comcast.net.
IF YOU GO:
What: Team Snap 5K race/walk
When: 11 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 27
Where: Tudek Park
Cost: $20 per individual; $30 per family; children under 6 are free
More info: E-mail amallison01@comcast.net
