Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Congressman Richard Neal and city officials joined the Fenton & Scibelli families and hundreds of supporters to walk in the Lauren’s Haven Inaugural 5k Road Race & 2.5k Walk at Van Horn Park on Saturday.
Lauren's Haven is a non-profit organization that supports families caring for their loved ones undergoing medical care by facilitating lodging and comfort during their most difficult times. Lauren's Haven was founded by the family of Lauren (Fenton) Scibelli, a 32-year-old native of Springfield who passed away last year due to heart disease.
Family, friends, and neighbors had a great time on a beautiful day honoring Lauren’s memory. Saturday’s event included the Massachusetts State Police’s very own helicopter doing a fly over at Van Horn Park, a 5k run, a 2.5k walk, cornhole, face painting, cotton candy, and the Springfield Fire Department ladders hoisted an American flag at the finish. Attendees enjoyed food trucks, and an ice cream truck, drinks, with local favorites such as the White Hut, North Elm Butcher Block, Batch Ice Cream, and the City Line Café in serving up deliciousness.
Elliot Scibelli, Lauren’s widower and President of Lauren’s Haven, said, “Lauren’s heart was so big. It only made sense that we would try to cement her legacy in keeping with how she lived her life. The road race is going to be a great time and will help to do so much good for so many families.”
Lauren’s family started the Lauren’s Haven organization after experiencing the real challenges faced when caring for a loved one receiving medical treatment far from home.
Lauren’s Haven gave their very first grant to the same hospital that provided lodging for the family, eight of whom were staying to provide round-the-clock support at Lauren’s bedside. The organization will provide on-going grants to underwrite hospitals that assist with such essential lodging.
Michael A. Fenton, Lauren’s brother and a founding board member of Lauren’s Haven, said, “Lauren would be thrilled with this party in her honor. She lived for her family and friends, and all of us coming together to do some good in the world would surely bring a smile to her face. In keeping with Lauren’s hilarious sense of humor, I picture Saturday to be a day full of laughs and love.”
Mayor Sarno states, “I am honored to join in supporting the Fenton and Scibelli families and Lauren’s Haven, an organization with an incredible and worthy mission of being there for people while their loved ones face health challenges. As we honor Lauren’s memory and legacy of love and laughter, let us all remember the importance of coming together and supporting those going through hard times.”
