During last year’s “Cupid’s Undie Run” in Pittsburgh, Misty Plunkard, her four-year-old son Tyler and Lisa Baker ran a mile in their underwear during the Valentine’s Day blizzard. The team of more than 40 regional people - including a Kittanning woman - was named in Tyler’s honor after he was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis - an incurable genetic disorder. The team runs again this Saturday afternoon. (submitted and edited photo).
by Jonathan Weaver
Despite the frigid temperatures predicted, a local woman will be part of a regional team running in her underwear through Downtown Pittsburgh this weekend.
Brooke Bissell, of Kittanning, is part of “Team Tyler,” one of more than 70 teams of fearless, determined supporters who will be taking part in Saturday’s 4th annual Cupid’s Undie Run– which raises money for the Children’s Tumor Foundation.
“As long as it is not -10 degrees, we run,” Bissell said. “Last year there was a blizzard – we ran.
“The first year we had tank tops and boxer shorts on, but by the time of the run, we weren’t wearing our tank tops. Different shapes, sizes or outfits – it doesn’t matter, because we’re all there for the same reason.”
Bissell became interested in the race after attending the Washington D.C. mile run with life-long friend Misty Plunkard – whose four-year-old son, Tyler, was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis a day before his first birthday.
According to the Children’s Tumor Network, Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a genetic disorder that can cause tumors to grow anywhere in the body and could even affect vision, speech or learning. Researchers estimate the disorder affects about one of every 3,000 people.
Plunkard, of Windber (Cambria County), said she is grateful for the 43 runners that will take part this weekend and the more than $13,000 raised so far this year.
“It just means the world – it’s hard to explain,” Plunkard said. “We’re just so touched that so many people care and help us.”
Tyler, a K-4 student at Windber Area Elementary, has undergone chemotherapy three times during his young life, but still loves fire trucks and trains.
“Most people, unless you tell them, they don’t know (that he is diagnosed). You can’t tell by looking at him,” Plunkard said. “He is a well-loved little boy, and has a lot of people cheering for him.
“Team Tyler in the last three years not including this year has raised over $40,000 for the Children’s Tumor Foundation.”
Co-Race Director Rachael Olbeter petitioned for a run to be held in Pittsburgh three years ago after wanting to advocate for NF more after her nine-year-old son, Alex, was diagnosed.
Olbeter, of Greensburg, said she and her other co-directors are hoping to eclipse their $250,000 goal Saturday.
“All of the profit once we pay the expenses of having the run all goes to research,” Olbeter said. “It’s a lot of work – I’m not going to lie – but we were told when (Alex) was diagnosed that there was no treatment, no cure. I just feel like if what I’m doing now could change that for him at some point in his life that it all would be worth it.”
According to the Cupid’s Undie Run website, volunteers hope internationally to collect $5 million.
Bissell has already hosted basket parties, guest bartended at Mel’s Pizzeria in West Kittanning and advocated for donations at several local businesses, but she said fundraising will continue next week for the 2017 race.
“Our run is on (Saturday), we rest on (Sunday) and then the 15th (Monday), we’ll start fundraising for next year,” Bissell said. “We don’t take a break. I already have things scheduled (to benefit) next year’s (run).”
Interested donors or supporters can read about “Team Tyler” via their Facebook community page or donate via Bissell’s online page, https://my.cupids.org/brookebissell