Meet Stephanie D. Davis!

[Dr. Stephanie D. Davis, MD has held the role of Chair of the Department of Pediatrics and Physician-In-Chief at UNC Children's Hospital since 2018. She previously served as a pediatric pulmonologist at UNC from 1999-2011, returning to lead the hospital's clinical, research, and educational missions. With a background in pediatric pulmonology, Dr. Davis actively contributes to patient care and research, emphasizing her commitment to advancing children's healthcare.]

At the UNC Children's Hospital, a compassionate force propels the mission of pediatric care into uncharted territories. Dr. Stephanie D. Davis, the Chair of the Department of Pediatrics and the Physician-In-Chief, represents a healing spirit that resonates within the walls of the medical shelter. Imagine the precision of a pediatrician fine-tuning the instruments of care, a work of expertise aimed at caring for young lives. Dr. Davis, with her roots as an undergraduate in Biology and a specialization in pediatric pulmonology, is not just a leader but a guardian of hope, steering the course of UNC Children's Hospital toward a brighter future. Let's examine the story of her journey, which is woven together with the hope of recovery and the will to face obstacles head-on in each heartbeat.

Motivated by a lifelong dream of pediatric care, Dr. Davis outlined her core driving force: "My passion lies in helping children and families in North Carolina, training the next generation of physicians, and promoting research while mentoring young faculty members." Reflecting on her contributions to UNC Children's goals, Dr. Davis emphasized increased access to care: "Our team has done an outstanding job in breaking down barriers so that children can receive proper care, regardless of their circumstances. We've also doubled our research funding, expanded training programs, and increased our capacity to care for more patients."

Stephanie D. Davis [left] & Benny L. Joyner [right]

A distinctive chapter in Dr. Davis's involvement with the community is her participation in the Krispy Kreme Challenge. Recalling her experiences, she shares, "I've run in the Krispy Kreme Challenge twice, opting for the No Doughnuts version. The excitement of students and participants, the quirky costumes on a cold February morning—it's a lively event that brings everyone together for the benefit of UNC Children's Hospital."

When asked about the Challenge's impact on the hospital's mission, Dr. Davis highlighted: "The funds from the Krispy Kreme Challenge have been key in supporting patients and families, particularly in our outpatient facility in Raleigh. Originally aimed at funding this facility, the success of the challenge now contributes to various missions at UNC Children's, including vital research initiatives."

As the 20th Annual Krispy Kreme Challenge approaches, Dr. Davis extends a word of advice: "Beware of unsettled stomachs at the end of the race—the doughnuts might sneak up on you! But beyond that, embrace the fun. The costumes, the creativity—it's a day filled with energy and joy, all in support of a great cause."

Meet Dr. Benny L. Joyner!

[Benny L. Joyner, Jr., MD, MPH, FCCM, has been an integral part of UNC Children’s Hospital since 2006. Currently serving as the Division Chief for Pediatric Critical Care Medicine and Vice Chair of the Department overseeing quality and safety initiatives, Dr. Joyner brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his role. As a clinical physician, he cares for the most critically ill children, providing immediate lifesaving treatment. His responsibilities also include teaching, where he works as a professor specializing in resuscitation and simulation instruction, guiding students and trainees through critical care for pediatric patients. Dr. Joyner's dedication to ensuring the quality and safety of children's healthcare at the UNC Children's Hospital shows his never-ending concern for the well-being of young patients and the community at large.]

In the heart of North Carolina, Dr. Benny L. Joyner Jr., a distinguished figure at UNC Children’s Hospital, has dedicated his career to serving the state's most vulnerable and critically ill children. In a recent interview, Dr. Joyner reveals his motivations, accomplishments, and even his experiences with the Krispy Kreme Challenge.

For Dr. Joyner, his journey with UNC Children’s Hospital is not just a job—it's a calling. "We serve the children of the state—some of the most vulnerable patients come here, and it's my honor and privilege to care for them," he shares. His commitment to the hospital's mission to provide quality care to all is appreciable in every interaction, and every decision made in the realm of pediatric critical care. Dr. Joyner's daily routine echoes with the hope of making a tangible impact. Recognizing that seconds matter in critical care, he shares, "There have been times in which I've been in the right spot at the right time to provide care. I hope that a child has benefited from me being there." His motivation is not just to save lives today but to contribute to advancing care to a point where no child faces critical illness in the future.

Beyond his clinical duties, Dr. Joyner is a passionate educator, finding pride in mentoring and training physicians who have gone on to make significant contributions to top institutions. His philosophy emphasizes the collective effort for patient well-being, encapsulated in the mantra, "Head down and do good work."

Despite the seriousness of his work, Dr. Joyner finds joy and camaraderie in the Krispy Kreme Challenge. Sharing amusing anecdotes of his doughnut-eating strategy—two at a time, gloves, a plastic bag, and a stomping ritual—he adds a touch of humor to the event. The Krispy Kreme Challenge, he notes, transcends a normal race, offering a unique and joyful atmosphere that brings families together in support of UNC Children’s Hospital.

Dr. Joyner emphasizes the Krispy Kreme Challenge's impact on fulfilling the hospital's mission, emphasizing the joy and friendship it generates. Contributions from the race have played a key role in advancing children's health, funding research, and supporting capital projects. As a seasoned Krispy Kreme Challenge runner, he offers practical advice for newcomers: "Dress warmly, be ready to have fun, and watch your step at the end of the race—it can get messy with the doughnuts and boxes."

As an avid participant in the Krispy Kreme Challenge for the past 5 or 6 years, Dr. Joyner initially joined for fun but quickly discovered the rigorous nature of the event. Opting for "The Challenger" version each year, which involves devouring all 12 doughnuts and completing the race in under an hour, he faced frustration one year falling just 10 seconds short of his goal. Undeterred, he refined his strategy, consuming the doughnuts two at a time with the help of latex gloves and a plastic bag. Dr. Joyner learned the hard way about the importance of gloves to combat stickiness during the challenge. While some participants opt for the "dunk in water" trick, he remains hesitant, having observed the diminishing appeal of soggy doughnuts after a brief five-minute grace period.

Benefits of Running the Krispy Kreme Challenge

12 doughnuts. 5 miles. 1 hour. What started as a dare among a group of Park Scholars to see whose gastrointestinal skills could be put to the test has now become one of NC State’s #1 events to partake in each year. The question is: What are the benefits of running in the Krispy Kreme Challenge? How could I possibly be helping my body by consuming nearly 24000 calories in under an hour?

Health Benefits of Running and Jogging

One of the most challenging parts of the Krispy Kreme Challenge (apart from figuring out how on earth to eat 12 doughnuts in 1 sitting) is the fact that it all must be done in under 1 hour. An average person jogs at a pace of 4-6 mph, but after adding 12 glazed doughnuts to your system, that pace gets harder to maintain. But let's take a look at some of the health benefits of running or jogging on a regular basis...

Running or jogging is one of the best cardio exercises you can do. Not only does it significantly lower your risk of cardiovascular disease, but it also naturally lowers your resting heart rate, allowing your heart to beat more efficiently. Some assume that running long distances delivers the healthiest results, but studies have shown that short-distance runners who exercise regularly have enhanced cardiovascular health, better endurance, and reduced risk of long-term injury.

If you have trouble falling asleep at night, running regularly is a great way to improve your sleep schedule. Running is known to release endorphins, which help to improve your mood and give you a “runner's high.” It also releases norepinephrine, a chemical that lessens the brain’s reaction to stress. These two hormones can help to both relax the mind and clear your headspace, giving you the perfect transition into a good night's sleep.

Along with physical benefits, running is also known to improve mental health and reduce signs of depression. Whether you are running a short distance as a quick workout, or jogging several miles to clear your mind, it can be used as an escape from the stresses of daily life. Chances are, if you are running a 5K, you are not thinking about the oil that needs changing in your car, but rather, “How much longer before I reach the finish line?” Runners are proven to be more focused individuals who have a healthy relationship with their minds.

Why choose the Krispy Kreme Challenge?

There are hundreds of races every year in North Carolina, but you may be asking what while running 5 miles in less than an hour is creative enough, we live to think that what truly sets us apart is our beneficiary, the UNC Children’s Hospital. Since its inception, the Krispy Kreme Challenge has been proud to support this specialty-designed hospital that caters to the needs of sick or injured children and their families. The mission of the hospital is to provide the highest quality care to patients from all 100 counties in North Carolina, regardless of a family's ability to afford the services. The money we raise goes to help fund additional equipment and support services necessary to provide exceptional care. Dr. Benny L. Joyner, the Division Chief for Pediatric Critical Care Medicine at UNC Children’s Hospital says, “We serve the population of the state, the people of the state, and the children of the state. Some of the most vulnerable and critically ill patients from around the state come to receive care here, and it's my honor and privilege to care for them.” The Krispy Kreme Challenge gives the people in our community the opportunity to support an organization bigger than themselves. Whether you choose to run the challenge, volunteer, or donate, you can be sure that your resources are going to a deserving cause.

Hamingson, Natalie. “Short Distance vs. Long Distance Running: Which Is Right for You?”

Red Bull, Red Bull, 1 June 2023,

www.redbull.com/us-en/short-distance-long-distance-running.

Colgan, Siobhan. “Want Better Sleep? Go for a Run.” Spartan Race, 17 Aug. 2021,

www.spartan.com/blogs/unbreakable-focus/is-running-good-for-sleep.

Meet Micheal and Heather

[Dr. Michael Bereman completed his undergraduate and Ph.D. degrees at NC State University. After doing postdoctoral work at the University of Washington, he came back to NC State as an assistant professor and researcher. In 2015, at the age of 33, Dr. Bereman discovered he had Lou Gehrig's Disease. He refocused his research to help doctors provide an earlier diagnosis and more accurate prognosis for future patients, identifying proteins that may be most useful in measuring disease progression or for testing new drugs.]

“I came to know Michael through the Center for Human Health and the Environment, where he leads the proteomics core. For a long time, I did not realize he was sick; he never broke his stride in terms of his science and teaching. When I found out, I was shocked and devastated, but also tremendously inspired by his perseverance and determination to research his own disease. He's already made critical discoveries that may one day help prevent or treat this dread disease.

Michael's expertise is proteomics and [in the picture above] he is sitting next to one of the instruments he uses in his work. At the moment he is using proteomics to compare cerebral spinal fluid from ALS
patients and controls to try and identify novel markers of the disease. These markers are critical for trying to understand the origins of the disease and how it progresses. My own work focuses on how flame retardants might affect the developing brain with a focus on brain areas involved in social interactions and behaviors. So we are both interested in how the environment shapes the brain and behavior.

Michael is not only the person I know with ALS.  One of my Uncles is also living with it. It's hard not to feel helpless in the face of such a ruthless disease.  

I'm an avid runner. I never feel helpless or powerless when I run. So I thought.....I hate that I can't do much to save Michael or my uncle from the ravages of ALS, but I can run. And run with purpose. That's why I am running the Krispy Kreme Challenge for Michael. The Krispy Kreme Challenge is one of my absolute favorite events. I love it because it is pure silly - I mean when else can you run for doughnuts in a costume? I've run with family and friends for many years, including my husband (faculty at NCSU) and son who is now an NC State sophomore. (We have our own little mini "debate" over who has the more "winning" record - I always finish faster but he always eats more doughnuts). So I'm building a team willing to embrace the silly, challenge their "gastrointestinal fortitude," and run one of NC State's signature events in honor of Michael.  

Inspired by how hard Michael and his colleagues are working on the science of his disease, even as he loses his mobility, I wanted to do something to recognize his strength - not just of body but of character, his deep love of NC State, his commitment to his students, and the tremendous impact he has had on the university community. I'm running to embrace the joy, and Michael's tenacity.

For fun, I included a picture from the 2014 race - that's me in the costume. I'm dressed as "road kill." Yes, I ran the whole race in that thing. My son is with me dressed as the blue power ranger. He was a middle schooler back then. The other picture is from 2017. That's me (in a less impressive costume), my son and my husband, Scott Belcher, who is also faculty at NC State.  So running the Krispy Kreme Challenge is truly a family tradition for this NC State family!! Running for Michael is an honor and a joy.”

-- Heather Patisaul

About Dr. Patisaul:

Dr. Heather Patisaul is a professor at NC State University in the Department of Biological Sciences. She received her B.S. in Zoology from the University of Florida and her Ph.D. from Emory University. Her lab explores the mechanisms by which endocrine disrupting compounds alter neuroendocrine pathways in the brain related to sex specific physiology and behavior. Dr. Patisaul is a NIEHS ONES Award recipient and has participated on several national and international expert panels and workshops related to health effects associated with soy and other endocrine disruptors.

Meet Lynn, Jim, and Ethan!

Pictured above are Lynn, Jim, and Ethan, all Canadians who decided to complete the Virtual Krispy Kreme Challenge! You may note the short-sleeved attire, which is due to them finishing the race during a holiday in Florida, although they live in Canada. Lynn, Jim, and Ethan completed the Virtual Race on Boxing Day, also known as December 26th. They can be seen with Wolfpack (woofpack?) mugs that held coffee as well as water. Congrats on the run, guys! We wish you all could be in Raleigh on February 4th!

Don’t forget that you (yes, YOU!) can still participate in the Krispy Kreme Challenge and support the UNC Children’s Hospital from afar or locally! Both the Virtual Race and the Raleigh race are still open, and “dough-nations” are always accepted! Remember, it’s you that makes this tradition possible!

Meet Larry!

Meet Larry, a Virtual Krispy Kreme runner from New Jersey! Larry is a class of 1968 NC State Alumni. He completed the virtual Krispy Kreme Challenge  on January 14th, his first jog in seventeen years! Don’t fail to notice him repping the Pack with a NC State sweatshirt and chair! His granddaughter is a current NC State student, and Larry is going to be volunteering on race day with her and his wife.

It’s amazing to see what lengths people from all over the country decide go in order to participate in a NC State tradition and support the UNC Children’s Hospital! Remember that you can still be a part of the tradition by signing up for the Challenge, registering for the virtual race, or by making a donation!

Website Upgrade

Our new website is live now! You can find it at KrispyKremeChallenge.org or KrispyKremeChallenge.com. We have worked to create a better website for you. If you have comments, questions, or other feedback please email webmaster@krispykremechallenge.com

Race Day 2017

We are thrilled to announce that the 2017 Race Date has been officially approved by the city of Raleigh. The date will be announced shortly!