M Family Moments – September 2023

Racing for a Cause:
The Superhero Race Against Cancer On Saturday, Celebration Lakeside Park was humming with excitement as over 300 runners, walkers, joggers, and rollers gathered for the 7th Annual Superhero Race Against Cancer. As the sun painted the sky with hues of orange and pink, the Celebration High School Band, led by the talented Tyler Kirby, stirred our hearts with the National Anthem.

Founder Kelly McCarthy’s words of inspiration and gratitude set the stage for a day filled with hope. However, the highlight of the event was the presence of Trippy Nugent, a young hero fighting DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma), who led the race on his bike with his dad, Nick Nugent, as his sidekick. The Nugent Family, including mom Katie and sister Lexie, exemplify unwavering strength and
resilience in the face of adversity. Their courage and spirit remind us of the importance of support, love, and prayers in these challenging times. To learn more about their incredible journey, follow “Team Trippy” on Facebook.

The racecourse meandered through the tree-canopied streets of Celebration, and participants were met with cheers, ringing bells, and uplifting posters from volunteers and neighbors who had come out to show their support. Each stride, each step, was a symbol of unity and determination, a testament to the power of community in the face of cancer.

As runners crossed the finish line, the sense of accomplishment was palpable, and they were rewarded with medals and a hearty breakfast, generously sponsored by Celebration Town Tavern. But more than that, they were rewarded with the knowledge that they were part of something bigger—a community bound by a shared journey through the challenges of ovarian and pediatric cancers.