Angel Heart of Hope plans 5K
The Bella Muntean Angel Heart of Hope Ministry is gearing up for its inaugural fundraising event.
Organizers are planning the first Bella’s Run for Hope 5K for Saturday, Sept. 14, 6-8 p.m. at Riverside Middle.
“All of the schools and athletic teams have been so supportive during Bella’s journey,” said Brenda Muntean, Bella’s mother. “We wanted to have something fun for everyone that would involve the students and community during Childhood Cancer Awareness month.
“We received incredible support from RMS after Bella’s diagnosis in January 2016, during her 7th grade year, and feel like these teachers and staff are part of our family. Three of Bella’s teachers from RMS are, or have been, on our board.”
While battling osteosarcoma, Bella envisioned the charity that would minister to other children facing life-threatening illnesses by providing American Girl dolls, Lego sets, and pillowcases full of gifts and comfort items.
Through that inspiration, Bella Muntean Angel Heart of Hope was created, continuing the “gifts of love” and sharing the teenager’s faith in God with prayer channels and an Angel Book program.
Muntean sees an even greater mission as the charity grows–helping families financially with their mortgage/rent, utilities, grief support, and funeral expenses.
“Since beginning the ministry with Bella, I have realized that the needs of these children are numerous. Not only do we want to give hope to all children facing life-threatening illnesses through our gifts of love, but in other ways also,” she said. “The emotional and financial strain that a life-threatening illness places on a family is overwhelming! Parents should only have to focus on their ill child and spending every moment with them because you don’t know when it will be their last.”
Muntean is confident that her daughter would be “ecstatic” to see the ministry progress.
“The first words she would say to me would be, ‘Ma, I told you that God would help us!’ She had faith in this ministry when I didn’t know how we were going to do it…I know that she is beaming!”
Bella’s Run for Hope 5K participants can register at Go-GreenEvents.com through Aug. 31. Three race options are available: the actual 5K race at Riverside Middle; a 0K (donors attend and receive t-shirt, but do not run); and a virtual K (donors receive a t-shirt, but do not attend).
The ministry is currently seeking sponsors for the event. Those interested can contact Muntean at brenda@angelheartofhope.org by July 31.
“I know that together, we can all make a difference, no matter how small,” Muntean said. “Despite my intense daily grief, I will continue to move forward with the unwavering faith that Bella taught me and to give it ALL to God. Thank you to everyone for your continual love, prayers and support.”
For more information, visit www.angelheartofhope.org.
jholcombe@greercitizen.com | 877-2076
