Page 3 - The fayetteville Press Newspaper Apri l& May 2025

The Fayetteville Press April/May 2025 Edition Page 3

Fayetteville Alphas and Zetas Host Annual 5K Run

By: Sheila A. McLaughlin ible generosity of our community and our dedicated sponsors. We’re
What was once a dream to bring the 5K March of Dimes Run/Walk especially grateful for the long-standing support of our presenting spon-
back to Fayetteville became a dual reality for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity sor, Cape Fear Valley Health System, who has been with us from the very
Inc., Epsilon Rho Lambda Chapter, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Gamma start. And a big thank you to our media sponsor, Cumulus Media, for
Upsilon Zeta Chapter. Both organizations know first-hand what it means to helping us share our message. I also want to give special recognition to
care for a child born prematurely. Co-race directors, Mrs. Williams-Graham, Methodist University, our site sponsor. Their partnerships truly epito-
Past President of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (Gamma Upsilon Zeta Chap- mize the collaborative spirit that makes all of this possible.”
ter), gave birth to her daughter who was born premature. Meanwhile, Mr. Mrs. Williams-Graham encourages the community to run, walk, or
Buckner, Co-Race Director and Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. simply cheer on the participants – it’s a fantastic way to support a wor-
(Epsilon Rho Lambda Chapter) also experienced the premature birth of his thy cause and have a great time! She states, “Whether you are a begin-
grandson. ner, competitive runner or just want to support mothers, fathers and their
Being eager to see what the local Zeta Phi Beta Chapter could do to babies, come out and join us. This walk/run is for everyone. Support to
resume the 5K March of Dimes Run/Walk in Fayetteville, Mrs. Williams- moms, fathers and their babies is important and we want to do whatever
Graham contacted Michaela Penix, North Carolina Director for Maternal we can to help families. As a mother of a premature baby, I understand
and Infant Health for the March of Dimes in 2018. She had no knowledge the need for funds to support the maternal health.”
that the local chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc. had the same zeal to continue Get ready to lace up your running shoes and join the A2Z Race at
the run. Thus, the two organizations came together in 2020 with a combined Your Pace! It is one month away, and there is still time to register and be
vision and formed A2Z Race at your Pace 5 K Walk/Run. a part of this incredible experience. You can sprint, jog or walk your way
For more than 40 years, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., and Zeta Phi to support a worthwhile cause. The focus is to lead the fight for the
Beta Sorority Inc. have partnered with the March of Dimes March for Ba- health of all mothers and babies. The driving force behind the race for
bies to increase awareness about infant mortality and pre-term birth, advo- both organizations is to end preventable maternal health risks, preterm
cate for programs, and research funding. The urgency of this cause is high- birth, infant death and close the health equity gap.
lighted in the March of Dimes 2025 Annual Report Card, in which Fayetteville Registration is easy - just visit the website https://runsignup.com/
received a grade of “F”, and identified our city as one of the 100 U. S. cities a2z_register. The registration fee is $40 for in-person registrants and
with the highest number of live births facing significant risks. According to $45 for virtual registrants. Early registration is encouraged, but on-site
Mr. Buckner, “This failing grade is a wake-up call.” “As fathers, husbands registration is welcome. If you are not able to participate, you can still
and community members, we feel a personal responsibility to act. The fight contribute by making a donation to A2Z Committee at https://
for healthy mothers and babies is deeply personal.” Cyshelle Williams-Graham & Derrick Creighton, Jr. runsignup.com/a2z_donation or mailing a check to P.O. Box 2311,
The planning for the A2Z Race begins in July with kickoff activities Fayetteville, NC 28302. Make checks payable to Epsilon Rho Lambda
taking place in November in conjunction with World Prematurity Day (Nov. efforts, Williams-Graham echoed. We have the distinction of Foundation. Do not miss this opportunity to make a positive impact.
17). During that week community awareness events are held throughout being the first organization in the state of North Carolina and in Join the fun at the Annual Alpha to Zeta (A2Z) Race at Your Pace
the community to include: A Pancake Breakfast, Bowling for Babies, Prayer the country to organize a March of Dimes do-it-yourself race. 5K Fun Run/Walk. It is going to be a morning filled with fitness and
Service, and Blood Drive. The A2Z will also host a Maternal Health Panel The powerful collaboration is dedicated to raising signifi- fulfillment! Your participation in this event is a way to support a great
discussion on May 17 to educate women about maternal health and build cant funds to benefit maternal health. Contributions are directed cause and make a difference in the lives of families in Cumberland County.
the momentum and awareness. They will also conduct a blood drive on to the March of Dimes March for Babies and Cape Fear Valley The run is scheduled for June 7, 2025. After the Opening Ceremony,
May 19 at the Old Navy parking lot. The Blood Connection sponsors the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Since the inception of the race, the race will begin at 8:00 am. Runners and walkers will gather on the
drive and provides a charitable donation per donor to the A2Z. Gamma Upsilon Zeta Chapter (ZPB) and Epsilon Rho Lambda beautiful campus of Methodist University located at 5400 Ramsey Street
“The 5K has become an event we really enjoy each year and brings Chapter (APA) have proudly donated $45,000.00 toward ad- in Fayetteville, NC. Participants will receive a shirt, snacks and post-race
our community together to support healthy moms and babies.” Added dressing issues related to prematurity, nutrition and health dis- recognitions will be given.
Buckner parities. For more information contact Cyshelle Williams-Graham
“We took a chance, and the community stepped in and supported our “We wouldn’t be where we are today without the incred- or Billy Buckner at 910-364-8700 - 910-489-8062