Annville resident Rene Ryan recently completed an individual fundraiser run, during which she ran 60 kilometers, or 37.28 miles, in honor of a child in her town who had died from severe abuse and neglect in early February. She heard about the case on the local news and decided to do something to honor the young boy. Her run gained support and turned into a fundraiser. She raised over $6,600 and collected more than 500 stuffed animals for the UPMC Pinnacle Children's Resource Center of Lebanon County, an organization that works to prevent and reduce the trauma of child abuse and neglect.

The Children's Resource Center (CRC) is one of the oldest child advocacy centers in Pennsylvania and was one of only four in the commonwealth when it opened its doors in 1994. The CRC aims to reduce the trauma and aftermath of child abuse by providing a safe environment, forensic interviews, specialized medical care, and mental health services. The center relies on grants, community donations, and contracts with county children and youth agencies. Families are never billed for services they receive at the CRC, including ongoing trauma-focused therapy.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and in support of the CRC, the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation deployed hundreds of blue pinwheels to five hospital locations through central Pennsylvania. The blue pinwheels represent the carefree and bright childhood that children should have, but which some do not have. The project's goals are to acknowledge abuse and create conversations around prevention.

Community members may learn more and donate to the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation in support of Pinwheels for Prevention at http://www.UPMCPinnacleFoundation.org. All funds raised will go directly toward the needs of the UPMC Pinnacle CRC.