Run for Parkinson’s Research

Three runners in running gear surround the NEOMED sign by Route 44 in Rootstown.

NEOMED M.D. students train for ultramarathon to raise $50K in support of University’s Parkinson’s disease research

Three aspiring doctors attending Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) are in training to run a 75-mile race to raise money for Parkinson’s disease research at the University.

All of the students are from Northeast Ohio and are entering their second year at NEOMED:

Hunter Bonfiglio of Akron
Alex Keith of Hartville
Nick Sciarretti of New Philadelphia

The students say their inspiration is Sara Whittingham, M.D., a NEOMED clinical faculty member and wife of NEOMED President John Langell, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., M.B.A.

Three men in running gear run by the NEOMED sign on the NEOMED campus. Dr. Whittingham learned she had Parkinson’s disease a few years ago and continues to battle for her best quality of life by participating in marathons and triathlon competitions to raise awareness and funding for research. She completed the 2023 Ironman World Championship in Hawaii.

Bonfiglio, Keith and Sciarretti will participate in the Tuscazoar Endurance Race this summer. Their fundraising goal is $50,000 in recognition of NEOMED’s 50th anniversary.

Proceeds will go toward Parkinson’s disease research at NEOMED, under the direction of Sheila Fleming, Ph.D., who is studying the effect of exercise on slowing the progression of Parkinson’s disease.

Support Parkinson’s Research at NEOMED

Five people stand and talk about their mutual interest in long-distance running.

From left, Dr. Sara Whittingham; President John Langell; Alex Keith; Matthew “Hunter” Bonfiglio; and Nicholas Sciarretti talk about their mutual interest in long-distance running.