HICF founding member Donna Peele honored at annual 5K Race… WITH SLIDESHOW

October 13, 2024 | Island Features | By: Joy Crist

Photos by Don Bowers

Donna Peele’s memory was everywhere at the 21^st Annual Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation (HICF) 5K race on Saturday morning, October 12, as many of the 157 entries had a connection to the beloved local resident.

Peele was a founding member of the HICF, and was active in the organization for nearly two decades, but she lost her own battle with breast cancer on October 14, 2023.

Established in 2001, the HICF provides assistance to local residents dealing with cancer to help with needs such as travel expenses, prescriptions, medical supplies, and medical bills that are not covered by insurance. Since its inception, the HICF has assisted hundreds of islanders with cancer and their families with grants in excess of $1,000,000.

This year’s event was held in Peele’s honor, with an official title of the “HICF Donna Peele Memorial 5K,” and T-shirts that paid tribute to her legacy by showcasing a painting by Peele herself.

“This race has been renamed to honor our dear friend and former HICF board member, Donna Peele,” said HICF board member Tracy Shisler before the race began. “The sunflower on the front of your shirt is something that she painted, and we use that as our symbol now for this this race…

“Donna lost her battle to cancer just one week after attending last year’s race, and she is loved and missed by all.”

Her family was in attendance and participated in the race – including her sisters, son, and grandchildren – and this year’s unofficial Grand Marshal was Peele’s golden retriever, Stanley.

Stanley was adopted by friend Ashley Schrader Jackson after Peele’s passing, and he showed up to the race freshly groomed and wearing a brand new tie.

“We knew that Stanley was going to get a lot of hugs and love and attention today, so we wanted to make sure he looked his best,” said Jackson.

A number of local organizations and businesses came together to sponsor the event in different ways. Musician Brian Suratt provided pre-race music, while Duck Donuts donated eight dozen pink-hued donuts for the participants.

Meanwhile, the many sponsors of the 5K contributed $18,500 for the HICF, and with donations and entry fees, the race raised a total of $24,466.00

The race attracted bikers, walkers, runners, joggers, strollers, and both two-legged and four-legged participants like Stanley, and many of this year’s attendees were first-time participants who came because of their love for Donna Peele.

“A lot of people who are running and walking in the 5K today knew Donna, which is why we have such a big crowd,” said HICF board member Donna Barnett. “She was loved by many people, and it definitely shows.”