Log in

Runner raises $2K to donate to AHCF

Posted 7/10/20

Local runner Lee Perreira recently completed 16 marathons in 16 days and delivered a $2,000 donation as a result to the Arizona Health Care Foundation.

You must be a member to read this story.

Join our family of readers for as little as $5 per month and support local, unbiased journalism.


Already have an account? Log in to continue.

Current print subscribers can create a free account by clicking here

Otherwise, follow the link below to join.

To Our Valued Readers –

Visitors to our website will be limited to five stories per month unless they opt to subscribe. The five stories do not include our exclusive content written by our journalists.

For $6.99, less than 20 cents a day, digital subscribers will receive unlimited access to YourValley.net, including exclusive content from our newsroom and access to our Daily Independent e-edition.

Our commitment to balanced, fair reporting and local coverage provides insight and perspective not found anywhere else.

Your financial commitment will help to preserve the kind of honest journalism produced by our reporters and editors. We trust you agree that independent journalism is an essential component of our democracy. Please click here to subscribe.

Sincerely,
Charlene Bisson, Publisher, Independent Newsmedia

Please log in to continue

Log in
I am anchor

Runner raises $2K to donate to AHCF

Posted

Local runner Lee Perreira recently completed 16 marathons in 16 days and delivered a $2,000 donation as a result to the Arizona Health Care Foundation.

He streamed the entire 16-day event live on Facebook and on his final day, thousands watched online as he completed his run, according to a press release.

“This whole story starts with Ellen De Generes,” said Mr. Perreira in a prepared statement.

“She’s been a big inspiration to me and my life, and I’ve always wanted to meet her and tell her that. One day, when I was out on a run, this crazy idea popped into my head: why don’t you just run to her?”

Mr. Perreira, who got the idea for his “16 x 16” long-distance run last year, endured injuries and personal tragedy to achieve his goal.  This year,  he ran again on March 29 and “laced up his sneakers to begin his latest attempt,” the release said.

Out of concern over the coronavirus, he stayed local, running a daily marathon in communities throughout Arizona including Glendale, Gilbert, Sedona and Tucson.

He finished on April 13 and “did it with an extra flair,” although a standard marathon is 26 miles in length, Mr. Perreira ran 50 miles.

“I’m a little off my rocker and wanted to push myself,” he said.

All the money Mr. Perreira raised went to four local charities, including the Arizona Health Care Foundation that provides scholarships for health care workers, senior dental care plus helps elders have experiences “they’d always dreamed of doing but couldn’t due to health problems, lack of funds or unexpected circumstances.”

“With seniors, we don’t always remember that many still have dreams and life goals they long to fulfill. This gift from Lee will go a long way toward changing the lives of nursing home residents and the professionals who care for them,” said Foundation Chair Paul Friedlan in a prepared statement.

“Lee’s commitment to the senior community really rocks --- literally and figuratively! He not only volunteers his time at various senior homes playing music, but he also fundraises and donates the money that will help long term care nurses and seniors benefit immensely.

Lee’s perseverance and determination are a great role model for all of us during these COVID times,” said David Voepel, Arizona Health Care Association CEO in a prepared statement.

The Foundation, affiliated with the Arizona Health Care Association, is the state’s largest professional organization of long-term care providers including nursing homes and assisted living communities.

Visit: azhca.org; and see 16x16inc.org.