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Ellie’s Army Foundation plans 3rd annual “Watermill Trading Dirty Socks” Aventura Run & Walk April 25
Ellie Levy, daughter of Stacey and Brian Levy, was a fighter all her life. Perhaps it is because she was born with cystic fibrosis, a terminal genetic disease that affects the lungs, that she understood and appreciated the fragility of life, and wanted to make the most of her life while helping others. Despite having back-to-back double lung transplants, Ellie was always able to find light in the darkness…she was courageous, she was bold…Ellie was a warrior.
In her memory and to help children with life-threatening illnesses have a greater chance to survive, Stacey and Brian Levy created the Ellie’s Army Foundation and their first big fundraiser was their Dirty Socks Run & Walk in Aventura. Hundreds of people came out to participate and support the cause, and thus began the tradition of the “Dirty Socks” event which represented what Ellie’s doctor told her to do—walk and keep walking to become strong and have a greater chance to survive. “I want to see dirty socks!” said Dr. Gustavo Parilla. And that’s exactly what Ellie did, and not surprisingly, exceeding his challenge of walking 30 laps around the hospital floor—Ellie walked 31 laps. Ellie lost her courageous battle in 2014, at age 23. But her perseverance and strength continue to motivate so many people who participate in the Dirty Socks event and who donate to support others with critical illnesses.
This year’s Watermill Trading Dirty Socks 5K Run & Walk, both virtual and live, has the ambitious goal of raising $93,000, and if you think that’s an odd number, it’s because it’s three times 31, the number of laps that Ellie did around the hospital. The date is Sunday, April 25, 2021 beginning with registration at 7am at the Northeast Dade Library, Aventura Branch, 2930 Aventura Blvd. Aventura 33180. Last year, over 400 people participated, and with both the virtual and live options this year, the number is expected to rise. All COVID health protocols will be followed. Co-Chairs Cindy and Scott Orlinsky, said, “It’s been our pleasure to chair the last two Dirty Socks events and we are excited to raise funds to help children and young adults battling life-threatening illnesses.”
“The number 31 has become an important number for our family both in our personal lives and within the foundation. It symbolizes perseverance. Ellie taught us to give it all you’ve got, and then give more. She motivates us and the Dirty Socks committee to go big. So we set this year’s goal at three times 31” said Stacey and Brian Levy, Founders of Ellie’s Army Foundation. “Our foundation provides financial assistance to children and young adults battling life-threatening illnesses in an effort to give them the best chance to survive.”
For more information, visit www.elliesarmy.org; email slevy@elliesarmy.org or call 305.756.0068
