The 2026 Leigh Ann Bolinskey Memorial 5K Run/Walk raised more than $15,000 to support local individuals and families affected by cancer.
Held Saturday, Sept. 12, in Big Stone Gap, the annual event benefits Mountain Empire Older Citizens’ Mountain Laurel Cancer Support & Resource Center. Runners and walkers began at the Big Stone Gap Visitor Center and followed the Greenbelt Trail before returning to the finish line.
Proceeds from the event help Mountain Laurel provide direct assistance to cancer patients of all ages in Lee, Scott and Wise counties and the City of Norton. Support includes liquid nutritional supplements, assistance with transportation for diagnosis and treatment and help with other unexpected cancer-related needs.
The event honors Leigh Ann Bolinskey, who served as director of the Mountain Laurel Center from 2004 until her death from leiomyosarcoma, a rare cancer, in 2014.
Bolinskey’s work continues through a program that has supported people facing cancer in Southwest Virginia for more than two decades.
MEOC thanks the sponsors, participants, volunteers and others whose support made this year’s event possible.
Donations to Mountain Laurel are accepted throughout the year. Contributions may be made online HERE or by mailing a check payable to MEOC-MLCC to PO Box 888, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219.