Cierra Johnson
         2025 Scholarship Awardees      Marty Johnson Connie Ballenger and Matt Barnes       
Steven Fu  Anamarie DiNunzio Rayburn, John DiNunzio 
Beverly DiNunzio and JM Rayburn    

Join us on September 17, 2026 at THE FIVES located at The Reach on Goodale (next to White Castle Headquarters) as we celebrate 16 years of Runway to Awearness Fashion Shows.  Your evening includes a complimentary drink (signature drink, cocktail, beer or wine), silent auction, hors d'oeuvres provided by Together & Company.  No valet parking is needed.  Runway to Awearness Fashion Show is from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm.  Silent Auction closes on September 17, 2026 at 8:00 pm.

Connie Ballenger will be presenting the latest Fall Fashions from Leál Boutique in Upper Arlington in the historic Mallway of Upper Arlington for nearly three decades, Leál is more than a boutique, it's a cornerstone of Columbus's most discerning community. Our online collection offers a taste of our expertise, our boutique showcases an extensive array of premium designers and provides the personalized styling experience that has defined Leál for generations of women.

About the Foundation

We distribute proceeds from the event to The James Cancer Hospital and OhioHealth Hospice House.  In 2020, we helped expand the bereavement program at OhioHealth’s Hospice House by fully funding a service dog that works with both youth and adult bereavement groups, and individual counseling sessions. Kelsie is a Goldendoodle with the sweetest and friendliest personality! We know she brings countless smiles to patients and families during very challenging times, and we hope her presence on the bereavement team continues to have a huge impact for many in need. In 2022, we continued our support of OhioHealth Stepping Stones, a Children's Loss and Grief Program, and a nature healing mural at The JamesCare at Mill Run.  

In 2015, the Patricia A. DiNunzio Memorial Scholarship program was established for nurses to receive money for advance nursing degrees. Every year, two Patricia A. DiNunzio Memorial Scholarships are awarded to outstanding and compassionate staff members of OhioHealth Hospice House and The James Cancer Hospital. The ideal candidate cares for cancer patients and is dedicated to cancer advocacy and family-centered principles. Recipients are selected by the DiNunzio Family and representatives from Ohio State University and OhioHealth Nursing Leadership.  We were able to award scholarships in 2025 to Tiff Elfrink (OhioHealth Home Hospice), and Jennifer Long and Melissa O'Brien (The James Cancer Hospital).  We have awarded 26 scholarships as of May 2026.

We owe so much to our wonderful sponsors featured in our silent auction lists

In 2009, Pat was diagnosed with Stage 3C ovarian cancer. She was a fierce advocate for her own care, keeping up with the latest advancements in research and experimental treatments. Pat was not the type to sit quietly with a book in the waiting area or chemotherapy chair.

Like many women diagnosed with ovarian cancer, Pat’s symptoms were a mystery to doctors for a year-and-a-half before her diagnosis, which came after the cancer had metastasized. Ovarian cancer often causes no symptoms in the beginning. The most common symptoms, such as bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, and urinary issues, are often symptoms of other noncancerous conditions, making diagnosis difficult. By the time a patient is diagnosed, the cancer has usually spread.

In 2010, fueled by her passion for helping others and her drive to empower women to become their own healthcare advocates, she founded the Patricia A. DiNunzio Ovarian Cancer Fund.

Shortly after starting the fund, Pat threw herself into fundraising and created the Runway to Awearness Fashion Show. The fashion show blended her zest for fashion with a desire to raise money for the Fund’s mission. In June 2014, Pat lost her battle to ovarian cancer at the age of 52.

           Pat DiNunzio