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Award honors resilience, determination, and the power of moving forward in the face of adversity
CINCINNATI, OH — The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center has announced that Lauren and Justin Berg will receive the 2026 Dr. Al Miller Upstander 5K Perseverance Award during the Upstander 5K & Family Day on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at Union Terminal.
The award presentation will take place at 10 a.m. in Reakirt Auditorium following the race and will be presented by the Miller family and legendary athlete and social advocate Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to officially register and run the Boston Marathon. Seating for the presentation is limited to the first 295 guests and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Dr. Al Miller Upstander 5K Perseverance Award recognizes individuals who embody resilience, determination, and the courage to move forward despite life’s challenges. The award honors the legacy of Dr. Al Miller, a Holocaust survivor, U.S. Army veteran, and lifelong advocate for physical activity and perseverance.
After surviving the Holocaust and rebuilding his life in America, Dr. Miller carried his resilience into every aspect of his life. An avid runner and walker, he believed movement was about far more than fitness. For Al, it was a reflection of strength, determination, and the ability to keep moving forward no matter what obstacles stood in the way. He remained active well into his later years, walking several miles each day until the age of 100.
This year’s recipients exemplify that same spirit.
In October 2020, Lauren Berg suffered a devastating spinal cord injury after a fall that fractured vertebrae in her neck and left her paralyzed from the neck down. She underwent emergency surgery, spent weeks in intensive care, and faced an uncertain future as doctors began a long rehabilitation process. Despite the severity of her injuries, Lauren remained determined from the very beginning, telling loved ones she would continue fighting and refusing to let her circumstances define her.
Over the years that followed, Lauren endured countless surgeries, hospital stays, therapies, and setbacks while continuing to make progress. Through it all, she has become a source of inspiration to family, friends, and countless others who have followed her journey. Today, she continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience, optimism, and strength while raising her family and embracing each new challenge with courage.
Alongside her every step of the way has been her husband, Justin.
As Lauren’s primary supporter and partner throughout her recovery, Justin has provided unwavering encouragement, strength, and care while also raising their children and growing a successful business. Together, Lauren and Justin have faced extraordinary challenges with positivity, perseverance, and a commitment to one another that has inspired everyone around them.
In his nomination, family friend Jeremy Miller wrote, “Lauren and Justin don’t let adversity define them. Instead, they face it head-on and continue to lift up the people around them. Their story is one of resilience, love, and hope.”
He added, “What really makes Lauren and Justin special is the way they support each other. Spending time with them, you can see how genuine their love is. The way they interact through all the challenges shows a deep partnership and commitment that’s truly inspiring.”
The award presentation is part of the annual Upstander 5K & Family Day, a community event that encourages participants of all ages and abilities to take action, celebrate resilience, and honor individuals who stand up for others.
“The spirit of this award is about refusing to give up when life becomes difficult,” said Jackie Congedo, Chief Executive Officer of the Holocaust & Humanity Center. “Lauren and Justin embody that spirit every day. Their resilience, optimism, and commitment to one another reflect the same perseverance that defined Dr. Al Miller’s life and legacy.”
The Upstander 5K begins at 8:30 a.m. on June 28 at Union Terminal. Following the race, participants and guests are invited to attend the 10 a.m. awards presentation in Reakirt Auditorium featuring Kathrine Switzer, her husband and elite runner Roger Robinson, and the recognition of Lauren and Justin Berg.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to honor Dr. Al Miller’s legacy by supporting Echoing Voices: Unpacking History, an educational program developed by the Holocaust & Humanity Center. Through archival document boxes featuring Holocaust survivors and liberators connected to Cincinnati, students investigate individual stories to better understand the human impact of history. A donation of $50 sponsors one Echoing Voices box, helping bring primary sources, survivor experiences, and critical thinking opportunities into classrooms. By supporting the program, participants help ensure that stories like Al Miller’s continue to educate and inspire future generations. Donate here.
Register for the Cohen Family Upstander 5K & Family Day.
About the Cohen Family Upstander 5K
The Upstander 5K & Family Day is presented by the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center and brings together runners, walkers, families, and community members to celebrate resilience, courage, and the power of standing up for others. The event features a 5K race, family activities, special guests, and inspiring stories that encourage participants to make a difference in their communities. Participants receive a commemorative Union Terminal medal, race t-shirt, free admission to all museums, and access to dozens of free family activities throughout the building.
