10,000 take part in Panerathon in downtown Youngstown

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Getting into a fight wasn't exactly what Chrissie Clayton had in mind.

After all, it was the week before Christmas, and she had just celebrated her 40th birthday.

But when she was faced with a fight-or-die situation, she didn't flinch.

Three days after she turned 40, Clayton was diagnosed with breast cancer, thrusting her into the fight of her life.

"Death never crossed my mind," the Canfield woman said. "I don't know why, it just didn't. I just wanted to know what I had to do so I could get started."

That was 13 years ago.

On Sunday, Clayton, now 53, was among some 10,000 people downtown for the 7th annual Panerathon at the Covelli Centre. The event, which included a 10K race and a 2-mile fun run/walk, is the Mahoning Valley's largest fundraising event. It has generated more than $1.6 million to benefit the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center in Youngstown.