My Story…
Hi friends! 💛
This September, I’m running the Akron Marathon and raising funds for a cause that’s near and dear to my heart — the Melina Michelle Edenfield Foundation. Melina was a radiant, hilarious, cheetah-loving 4-year-old who left us far too soon due to a rare and aggressive brain tumor called DMG. Her legacy lives on in the loudest, brightest, bubbliest way — through joy, through laughter, through action.
Every dollar raised goes directly to funding critical research for pediatric brain tumors — an area that remains deeply underfunded. We’re choosing joy and choosing to fight like Melina did: fiercely, fabulously, and in full Cheeto (don’t call it cheetah) print.
✨ Expect to see me on the course decked out in as much Cheeto gear as one human can legally wear. Maybe more. You won’t miss me. I’ll be running with purpose, a whole lot of glitter, and the spirit of a girl who made “never enough” a lifestyle. 🧡🐆
Whether you donate $5 or $50, know it’s going toward giving other kids the shot Melina deserved.
Always Choose Joy,
Jess
Donate to help Jessica raise money for 2025 FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon, & Team Relay’s fundraising campaign.
Achievements
Recent donors
| Donation date | Donor name | Donation amount |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 12 | Rust Fam | $54.43 |
| Jul 12 | Abby Scheks | Undisclosed amount |
| Jul 12 | Erin Clemmer | $54.43 |
| Jul 12 | Brian Drummond | $54.43 |
| Jul 12 | The Neubauer Family | Undisclosed amount |
