Emily Cioffi's Fundraising Page
I'm Emily Cioffi, founder and director of the Hip Hop 5K/10K, but most of you know me as Em, or Emi, a daughter, friend, cousin, niece, adaptive athlete, cake decorator, and someone who just can't sit still. I love being out in my community, giving back via my time and talents. Hip dysplasia is just a piece of my very big story, but its also the trigger, the thing that pushed the avalanche into motion if you will.
I was diagnosed when I was 18, and my very first surgery was spring break of my freshman year at college. What a way to start off the next chapter of life! Well, it turns out I would be fighting through multiple surgeries, unknown complications, and permanent disability for the remainder of my college career and beyond. College ended up taking 8 years rather than 4, and I ended up on a completely different path than I could have imagined for myself. I got to the point where I needed a distraction during one of my recoveries while in the hospital and that is where the Hip Hop 5K/10K was born: from a post recovery hip dysplasia patient trying to hold on to hope, wanting to help with the awareness and research efforts of a condition that had completely flipped her life upside down. As it enters its 6th year, race day is just as exhilarating now as it was year one. It has grown to become a community and I am so proud to continue to watch it grow.
Whether you can run, walk, volunteer donate, or just spread the word I would really appreciate it! Every little bit helps our efforts and assists in more stories being success stories!!