When a child battling pediatric cancer crosses a finish line — surrounded by cheering family, wearing shoes they designed themselves — something powerful happens. Hope becomes visible. Strength gets celebrated. And for a moment, the fight feels a little lighter.

At Slater & Zurz, we are proud to help make those moments possible.

Project Outrun is a Northeast Ohio nonprofit dedicated to empowering children and families facing pediatric cancer. Through custom-designed running shoes and signature swag, the organization creates what they call “New Shoe Smiles, Medal Moments, and Finish Line Feelings.” Kids work with designers to create their own “I’m not sick, but my shoes are” kicks — shoes they wear through treatments, therapy sessions, and hospital stays. When treatment milestones are reached, Project Outrun hosts joyful Finish Line Festivals where children literally bust through a finish line held by loved ones, turning a medical journey into a moment of triumph.

These celebrations happen right inside the hospitals where families spend so much time: Akron Children’s Hospital, UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, and Cleveland Clinic Pediatrics. The impact reaches far beyond Ohio — Project Outrun now supports thousands of young athletes across all 50 states.

A Deeper Commitment from Slater & Zurz

For several years, Slater & Zurz has quietly supported Project Outrun’s mission. This year, we had the honor of being part of an amazing new opportunity as an official sponsor of the in-hospital Finish Line Festivals and the organization’s signature “Faster Every Day” 5K & Fun Run. We also produced and donated a 30-second television spot to help spread awareness across Northeast Ohio.

Our partner Rob Horton has been personally involved with Project Outrun for years. For Rob, the connection runs deep.

“Project Outrun is more than a nonprofit to me — it’s a reminder of what real strength looks like. These kids and their families face battles no one should have to fight. The custom shoes and finish-line celebrations give them something tangible to hold on to: proof that they are warriors, that their fight matters, and that joy can still exist in the middle of it all. At Slater & Zurz, we spend every day standing with families who have been through trauma. Supporting Project Outrun feels like a natural extension of that work. I’m incredibly proud that our firm is now sponsoring the Finish Line Festivals and helping more children experience that unforgettable moment of crossing the line.”

Why This Matters to Us

At Slater & Zurz, we believe being a strong Ohio law firm means more than winning cases. It means showing up for our communities in meaningful ways — especially when families are facing their hardest days. Whether we’re helping a client recover after a serious car accident, holding nursing homes accountable, or supporting a child who has been harmed, our goal is always the same: to help people regain control and move forward with dignity.

Project Outrun embodies that same spirit. Every pair of custom shoes and every finish line crossed is a small victory against something much larger. We are honored to stand alongside the children, parents, and medical teams who make these moments possible.

How You Can Get Involved

If Project Outrun’s mission moves you, there are simple ways to help:

• Visit projectoutrun.org to learn more, nominate a family, or donate.
• Register for or sponsor the annual “Faster Every Day” Festival & 5K in Cuyahoga Falls.
• Follow @projectoutrun on Instagram to see the smiles, the shoes, and the finish lines for yourself.

And if your family has been affected by a serious injury, nursing home negligence, or another life-changing event, know that Slater & Zurz is here for you. We fight for the people of Ohio every day — in the courtroom and in the community.

Ready to talk? Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re on your side.