On June 7, more than 250 runners gathered outside of Levine Cancer Institute for the 4th annual Keep Pounding 5K. For this year only, runners enjoyed the unique experience of passing through the Panthers cat head onto the practice field as they crossed the finish line. Sir Purr and the TopCats joined Sam Mills III and Riley Fields in congratulating top finishers, teams, and fundraisers.
The Carolina Panthers have a decade-long history of supporting Carolinas HealthCare System’s cancer programs through Keep Pounding – a campaign established in 2004 to honor former players Sam Mills Jr. and Mark Fields, who had both been recently diagnosed with cancer. This year, Keep Pounding 5K runners were encouraged to raise $51 to commemorate former Panthers player and coach, Sam Mills Jr. (#51), who lost his battle with cancer in 2005. Participants far surpassed that goal, bringing the Keep Pounding event proceeds to a record total of $66,370 to benefit pediatric cancer research and services at Levine Children’s Hospital. Race participant Tracey Gallimore was honored with the Top Fundraising Award, raising $6,000 through his own efforts. Babson Capital participants, collectively known as Team Paula, were awarded Top Fundraising Team honors, having raised $20,000 for Keep Pounding.
Special recognition and thanks go to event sponsors, including Rodgers Builders (Field Goal Sponsor), SPX and U.S. Airways (First Down Sponsors), Crescent Communities, Sigma-Tau Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and Rose Charters (Kick Off Sponsors), and to WCCB, our Media Sponsor and longtime community partner.