Our History

Our founders Barbara and JP Pinocchio started Moms on the Run in 1999 after Barbara’s sister, Debra, passed away from breast cancer. Their family witnessed the physical and emotional difficulties that came with the diagnosis, including the financial hardships it caused. The Pinocchio’s put on a “little race” in hopes of raising $1,000 for a local woman battling breast cancer. That first race brought in over $100,000.

Today, Moms on the Run is the largest race of its kind in Reno, with more than 5,000 participants each year, allowing Moms on the Run to give back to our community over $500,000 each year in assistance.

FAQ's

• Founded in 1999

• Raised $4.5 million since then

• Helped 5,500 women in Northern Nevada

• Want to know more FAQ's? Click below!

Your Impact

• Living expenses, including but not limited to:

  • rents/mortgages

  • food

  • utilities

  • car expenses

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• Medical aid:

  • Wigs for women who lose their hair while going through chemo

  • Lymphedema garments

  • A support group for young people with cancer

  • Yoga classes for survivors

  • Cancer Rehabilitation Program at St. Mary’s

  • Integrative Energy Therapy

  • Treatment Totes/Hugs in a Bag: Tote bags filled with items for women going through chemo treatment

  • Local meal prep service to provide organic healthy meals 4x a month

Our Board of Directors

Barbara Pinocchio, Co-Founding Member

JP Pinocchio, Co-Founding Member

Debbie Bailey (since 2000)

Jim Minor (since 2000)

Dennis Flannigan (since 2001)

Jennifer O'Harra (since 2005)

Elisabeth Hadler (since 2005)

Jillian Pinocchio (since 2012)

Chad Felix (since 2017)

Alex Crosby (since 2018)

Sandy Ferguson (since 2018)

Jill Vellis, Executive Director

Tamara Reid, Board Attorney

Volunteers

Marvin Mercer - 3K/5K Walk Manager

Tim Minor - 5K Run Manager

Shannon Minor - 10K Run Manager

April Libby, Gerardina Rodriguez & Nina Hallock - Volunteer Coordinators 

Alpha Tau

Colleen Connolly

Patrick Harris

Dean Hankey

David Hetland

Cindra Madau

Mallory Pinocchio

Alan Tom

Amanda Tye

Jenna Wilkins

We Need Your Support Today!