HUGHESTOWN, Pa. — There may not be a break in the cloud cover over this organized run in Hughestown, but the runners and walkers say it is still bright.
"It's amazing even with the less than desirable weather just an amazing showing kinds of support both from in and outside of the community," said a runner Jerry Markenowitz.
This 5K run and mile walk at the Pittston Area Primary Center is all in honor of Raeann Merlino, who passed away after an illness in December of 2022 at the age of 10.
Since then, her community has shown their support in her birth month of June with the color yellow because they describe Rae as the embodiment of sunshine.
"All the yellow the whole community decorated with yellow all the houses along the route and throughout this town, just yellow ribbons yellow banners yellow balloons, it's amazing," added Markenowitz.
"Raeann was our light. She was our sunshine," described her cousin Carolyn Moscatelli of Hughestown. "So to see so many people come out to celebrate her and, you know, help support our family was just a beautiful thing. Raeann would love that she's here with us I'm sure."
Following the race, the Hughestown Neighborhood Crime Watch decided to dedicate a permanent tribute to Rae's memory at its Memorial Park.
"The loss of a child is probably the most devastating thing that could ever happen to a parent," said the crime watch's Lynda Hoban to a crowd at the park. "And to be honest, I don't have any adequate words right now. That would soften the sorrow that you all still bear in your hearts. But to Jamie, Dawn, and all the Merlino family. I want you to know that on behalf of the community. We care."
To show that support, this yellow bench that features Rae's smile and a poem has been placed here in her memory
"It's beautiful. I think it shows her and the light that she is and all of our lives. I think it's exciting that it's going to be here forever. And we'll be able to share with everyone forever. She'll always be a part of this community and part of our hearts," said Moscatelli.