CANFIELD — The parking lot of Canfield High School was filled with joy Sunday afternoon as the Melina Michelle Edenfield Foundation hosted the sixth annual Choose Joy for Melina 5K and More.

The foundation came out of tragedy. In 2020, Michelle and Keith Edenfield lost their 4-year-old daughter Melina to brain cancer. Their response was to start an organization that would simultaneously raise money for pediatric brain cancer research and provide joyful experiences for others.

Michelle Edenfield credits her two older daughters, Emilea, 11, and Klara, 13, as well as several children in the neighborhood for looking for ways to remember Melina. They started with a lemonade stand and it grew quickly.

So far, the foundation has raised $1.4 million. Much of this money goes to Akron Children’s Mahoning Valley, where Melina has her own fund. The rest is combined with a consortium of 27 foundations that sponsor research projects around the world.

Keith Edenfield noted that of all the money devoted to cancer research, only 4% goes to pediatric studies, and just 1% to brain cancer even though it is the most fatal among childhood cancers.

This was the event’s first year at the high school as well as the first time the 5K run was part of it. Prior to this, it was a virtual run. On Sunday, participants started at the track and ran to the hike and bike trail and back. There was also a “fun run” around the track where children were rewarded with balloons and ribbons.

Erin Gerhardstein is a friend of the Edenfields and was with them during the worst times. She joked that she was managing “And More,” which were the nonracing events. This included a bounce house and slides, outdoor games, a craft table, a princess, a basket raffle, Choose Joy merchandise and plenty of concessions.

“Our kids wanted to do something to spread Melina’s joy. She was the most joyful child, never complained about anything. We wanted to keep saying her name and spreading her joy,” Gerhardstein said.

She said Barber Drive concessions has been one of their biggest supporters. Ashlyn Elford and Rylee Sells served lemonade for a thirsty crowd.

“We’ll do anything to help local families, and this is a great celebration of life,” Elford said.

Mattea Tieche, 7, of Canfield, said she found many fun things to do, but especially enjoyed the bounce house, while 8-year-old Remy DiMaiolo of Canfield liked exploring the raffle items.

However, the real stars of the event were the 10 neighborhood children known as Team Joy. They were not only having fun but working hard to make Choose Joy a success.

Emilea said the best part was “having fun with our team.” Mollie Gerhardstein, 14, appreciated all the friends “getting to work together.” Her younger brother, Jackson, 10, noted the events were “everything that Melina loved.”

“It’s about tradition and love. It’s a way of keeping Melina alive,” Addison LoPatta, 16, said.