Superhero Run to benefit latest DIPG patient
Although David Fabus received a new heart five years ago, it still breaks. It nearly shattered when he learned 3-year-old Hazel Elizabeth Brown was recently diagnosed with the disease that killed his son.
Joey Fabus, 8, died Jan. 21, 2015 from an inoperable brain tumor caused by Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG). Currently the survival rate is zero percent.
“It took us back to the moment we found out about Joey,” said Fabus. “All the emotions and memories came back immediately of what he endured, what we went through and how the community and businesses stepped in to help.”
In the eight months after his diagnosis, Joey fulfilled many of his life-long dreams. One of them was becoming a policeman. He was commissioned an honorary officer in the Bethel Park Police Department and patrolled the borough for a day.
Joey also endured months of treatments in an effort to extend his quality of life. Fabus and his wife, Cindy, assumed a brave stance.
“We put on that smile so that Joey wouldn’t know what was going on,” Fabus said. “I remember Joey doing something with his hands during therapy and Cindy was helping him. She had to look away because she knew it was starting to get bad.
“So,” Fabus continued in between emotional moments, “our hearts go out to this family.”
Originally from the region, the Browns now reside in Catawba, Ohio to be closer to treatment. They travel five days a week to Michigan for chemotherapy. It’s a four-hour, round-trip journey.
The Browns will be recognized at this year’s Joey Fabus Superhero Run Over DIPG 5K Race/Walk being held at 9 a.m. Sept. 17 at Bethel Park High School. A portion of this year’s proceeds will go directly toward their medical expenses.
The race is the largest fundraiser for the Joey Fabus Childhood Cancer Foundation. Founded by the Fabus family, the non-profit organization raises awareness and money to find a cure for DIPG.
The race attracted over 400 participants last year. With the exception of during the COVID-19 pandemic, the race has been conducted seven times.
“After the first few years, people told us it would die down because smaller races like this don’t hold onto participants,” Fabus said. “This is for a good cause though. Helping kids and everyone with cancer. It’s such a devastating disease for kids and families.”
Fabus added that he is always blown away on race day. Along the course, runners must dig deep to ascend some of the hills, but they are greeted by 30 to 40 signs with pictures of other kids with cancer.
“It’s encouragement,” Fabus said. “The hills are nothing compared to what Joey and other kids with cancer go through. Their pain doesn’t go away.”
Since his heart transplant, Fabus has kept his weight down and his fitness level.
At 61, he still works. He also enjoys his role as grandfather. His daughters, Clarissa and Olivia have one son each: Jonathan Kretchun and Theodore Fabus-Chorba.
“Work and babysitting keeps me going,” he said, “but actually I’m in pretty good shape.”
Fabus competed in track while he was a student at Keystone Oaks High School. He threw the javelin.
“I was never a long-distance guy,” he said with a laugh. So he said he would have to get out and start running if he were ever to compete in the Super Hero Run
“I’m always torn between participating in the race because I love to be at the end,” he said. “At the finish line, I can greet people and thank them for what they did for Joey and to beat childhood cancers.”Call 412-758-1121 or email fabusangels6pgh@verizon.net for more details about the run, DIPG or JCCF.
The Joey Fabus Superhero Run over DIPG will be held at 9 a.m. Sept. 17 at Bethel Park High School.
Price for the 5K is $30 ($15 for ages 0-12). The cost for the 1-mile family walk is $15.
Entry fees increase after Sept. 16.
Late sign-up starts at 7:30 a.m. race day and closes at 8:30.
Pre-race packet pick-up dates are Sept. 15 from 2 to 5 p.m. and Sept. 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fleet Feet, located at 1751 N. Highland Rd. in Upper St. Clair.
Participants are encouraged to compete in their favorite Superhero costume.
Visit runsignup.com/Race/PA/BethelPark/JoeyFabusRace to register.