Participating in the Miles for Moffitt annual race to raise funds for cancer research is personal for DRMP Tampa Roadway Group Leader/Project Manager Pavan Paiavula, PE.
The painful loss of a college friend and a family member to cancer propels Paiavula to fight for a cure for the disease.
Since 2006, Miles for Moffitt has raised millions of dollars toward advancing cancer research at the Tampa, Fla.-based Moffitt Cancer Center.
“I wanted to support cancer research by doing whatever I can within my reach by running for the cause,” Paiavula said. “And I feel it is so important to give back to the community to extend my gratitude.”
Pavan Paiavula runs with his 12-year-old son, Shreyaan, in the 18th annual Miles for Moffitt race
Paiavula has participated in Miles for Moffitt since 2017 and has rallied the support of his DRMP colleagues who have joined him in the race each year. He also has received the firm’s financial assistance through DRMP’s Philanthropy Support Initiative, which has helped him reach his fundraising goals throughout the years.
At DRMP, the firm not only gives back to the community through its DRMPCares program but also takes its community involvement further by supporting its employees’ personal causes through the DRMP Philanthropy Support Initiative.
A special committee at DRMP thoroughly assesses each community involvement request by an employee seeking funding to ensure the employee is genuinely committed and personally connected to the cause.
“As leaders, we believe in investing in the passions of our team,” DRMP President Glenn Lusink, PSM, said. “Our committee ensures every community involvement request is not just a financial contribution but a personal commitment that reflects the causes that touch the hearts of our employees.”
This year, 10 DRMP employees participated in the 18th annual event, helping Paiavula raise $1,030 toward the cause. Paiavula anticipates he will reach his $1,500 fundraising goal once he requests a donation through the DRMP Philanthropy Support Initiative.
He said this year was the first time he had participated in the race since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, Paiavula raised $2,000 with financial support from the firm and 15 of his colleagues who participated in the race.
Pictured left to right: Rachel Schmidt, Arnesa Zunic, Melissa Padilla Cintron, and Regina Wilbur pose for a group photo during the Miles for Moffitt race
Supporting Paiavula’s efforts also hit close to home for Environmental Department Manager Rachel Schmidt, PWS, who recently lost her mother to cancer. Schmidt lives in Orlando and drove to Tampa to participate in the race with her husband and father.
“My husband hurt his knee, so my dad took his place to walk the race with me,” Schmidt said. “I lost my mom a couple months ago on Sept. 1 to pancreatic cancer. She spent many days and nights at Moffitt in their care while receiving treatment. We walked for her and to support the cause.”
Vice President/Tampa Survey Department Manager Chris Wild, PSM, also participated in the race and has a connection to the cause.
“Cancer has directly impacted many people in my life, including lung cancer taking the life of my best friend, Aaron, growing up," Wild said. "Participating in this event gives me the chance to join the fight against cancer by supporting Moffitt’s efforts to discover new treatments and cures.”
Tampa Office Manager Arnesa Zunic participated in the event not only to support Paiavula but also as a gesture of solidarity to her best friend who was recently diagnosed with cancer.
"She lives in Pinellas County and decided to receive her treatments at the Moffitt Center in Hillsborough County instead," Zunic said. "Participating in this event gives me hope that she and all the people fighting this decease will be cured one day."
The cause also resonates deeply with Survey Analyst Melissa Padilla Cintron, SIT, who participated in the event.
“I lost one of my beloved family members to cancer, and at that time, there was limited cancer research and new technology compared with today’s treatment options," she said. "Since joining DRMP, Pavan has organized this event, and this year I decided to participate. He is a dedicated mentor and leader, and I know this is an important cause to him.”
