Created: 5/31/2009 11:27:48 AM 
JACKSONVILLE BEACH, FL -- Two words carried 77-year-old Gerry Petroni across the finish line at his first 5K race. Never quit. It's a message Petroni first gave to his daughter after suffering a stroke and falling into a coma a few years ago.
Karina Petroni, a professional surfer, was going to quit the sport after her dad was hospitalized for the illness.
"I was in this immense depression. I was thinking so many things. I was just done, over it," says Karina. "He was my rock, my everything, my entire inspiration."
But she decided to continue surfing after her dad, who was unable to speak after the stroke, wrote two words on a piece of paper: never quit.
The words stuck with Karina and inspired the Petroni family to share the message with others.
On Sunday, they held the first Never Quit, Never event at Jacksonville Beach.
There was a 5K run, surfing lessons and booths educating the public about cardiovascular health and strokes.
The event raised thousands of dollars for local high school youth programs, the American Heart Association and Petroni's medical bills.
With the help of his daughter, Gerry finished the 5K race. He credits his attitude about life with carrying him across the finish line and onto the next challenge.
"When things are not going good, don't give up," says Gerry. "Keep striving to make a lot of power in your actions and everything that you do."
For more information about Gerry Petroni's story, click here.
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