Cipriano Classic: Always Remember, JKLP

While the official tally hadn't been calculated at race time, about 1,470 walkers and runners raised funds Friday to help the children of slain Farmington Hills resident Robert Cipriano.

The Cipriano Classic 5K, co-organized by family friends Jenny Birmelin and April Tini, kicked off from the Farmington Family YMCA at 6:30 p.m. with a warm-up emceed by WXYZ-TV meteorologist Chris Edwards, a Farmington Hills resident. 

Speaking briefly before the Cipriano Classic 5K, recent Detroit Catholic Central graduate Tanner Cipriano shared his family's gratitude for the support they've received over the past year. With his sister Isabella, he escaped injury during the April 16, 2012 attack that killed their father and severely wounded their mother, Rose, and brother, Salvatore. 

Tanner's older brother, Tucker, and Tucker's friend, Mitchell Young, 19, are expected to go to trial next week on felony charges related to the attack.

Tanner introduced Rose, who is no longer hospitalized, but continues to recover from her injuries. "With everything she's gone through, she deserves this night most of all, a night where she can relax and have fun," he said. 

Isabella participated in the race, but Salvatore is just beginning to take his first steps. "While he is not able to join us today, be warned that he will return soon and he is already preparing to be better than me at everything, and that includes running this race," Tanner said.

He asked for continued prayers and support for the family and closed with the acronym for what has become a signature phrase, "just keep loving people", taken from the eulogy he delivered at his father's funeral: 

"And always remember, JKLP."

If you were unable to attend the race but would like to contribute to the fund, learn how at ciprianochildrenstrust.org