The fifth annual Tampa O2breathe Walk and 5K took place Feb. 18 in memory of Missy Stok Rizzo, who died from pulmonary hypertension (PH) in 2018.
Missy’s husband Brian Rizzo shared Missy’s story and the event history. Walkers, runners, patients, caregivers and health care providers traveled from several states to be part of this national event. More than 90 participants, including 40 runners, raised $20,530.
Team Couch Rage was the top team, raising $7,015 in memory of Haley Willow. The top individual fundraiser, Rick Swartz, raised $3,815 for Team Couch Rage. MissyFits PHighting for a Cure was the second highest fundraising team. Her PHight is our Fight was the third-place fundraising team.
Other speakers included Lindsey Wheeldon on behalf of Team Couch Rage and Daniel Mauriello, M.D., a pediatric cardiologist at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.
Mike Lentz, a member of the Pulmonary Hypertension Association Development Committee, wrapped up the event. His wife died from PH within three days of Missy’s death.
Learn more about PHA fundraising events or email us. To make an individual donation, click here.
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