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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

WILKES-BARRE, PA -- The inaugural David A. Salata Memorial 5K Run/Fun Walk raised $5,731 to support careers in nursing. More than 100 people offered donations and participated in the fundraiser Oct. 18 at Kirby Park in Wilkes-Barre.

The late Dave Salata’s son, Mark Salata, of San Diego, formerly of Bear Creek Township, thanked the Nurses for Excellence, donors and volunteers for supporting nursing education in his father’s memory.

“Through everyone’s efforts, those who provide an essential service – the care of loved ones in times of need – can improve their knowledge and skills and remember that nursing is a virtuous endeavor from one heart to many,” Salata said. “I share these words, ‘Do not be content with showing friendship in words alone, let your heart burn with loving kindness for all who may cross your path.’ In simpler terms, which my father used, ‘It’s nice to be nice.’”

The donations benefit the David A. Salata Nursing Education Endowment that annually gives Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center full-time employees the opportunity to begin or further their nursing education. The endowment was established in 2013 to honor his memory and recognize the care and comfort he was given by Geisinger staff, according to his wife, Jodell Salata, who has been a registered nurse for over 45 years.

“The nurses and staff treated Dave as a person and not as a diagnosis,” she said. “They not only provided excellent care, but comfort and support when we needed it the most.”

Seventeen GWV employees have so far benefited from the endowment.

Applications and colleague recommendations for the next round of awards will start in July. The award is given to individuals who are enrolled and in good standing in an educational program or seeking conference attendance and consistently exemplify attributes critical to the nursing profession.

Plans for the second annual 5k — expected to be held in early October 2016 — are being finalized. Details will be released when available.
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