June 6, 2009

For most runners, a two-mile race is a challenge of both speed and endurance. For Cindy Payne, it's also a way for her to carry on her daughter's memory and raise awareness about the deadly disease Meningitis.

Saturday night's turnout to the moonlight race is one of the largest ever, with about 150 people signed up to race. Payne has already raised more than $10,000 for meningitis vaccine research in her daughter, Jennifer Leigh Wells' memory this year

Cindy Payne believes her daughter is with her in spirit.

"I feel like Jennifer is here with me, and she's the one reason why we have such a good turnout for [the run]. I feel like she's very proud of what we've done," says Cindy Payne, Jennifer's mother.

It's been three years since University of Virginia fourth-year student Jennifer Leigh Wells lost her life to Meningitis. However, her memory lives on with the annual Moonlight walk at Monticello High School.

"I get nervous at the beginning each year wondering who is going to come and how many are going to show, but then the outcome that we have is very overwhelming," says Payne.

Jennifer was athletic--an avid horse rider who won honors at the State and National levels. Through the Moonlight race at Monticello High School, Jennifer's mother hopes no other mother has to endure the pain of losing a child to the deadly disease.

Organizers are also holding a benefit concert Friday, June 12th at Club 216's new location in the Old Michie Building. Tickets can be picked up at Ragged Mountain Running Shop.