In honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Heroes for Children and Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer are partnering to host the Heart of Gold 5K Run for the Children presented by Tom Thumb on Sept. 16, 2017, at the Plaza at Galatyn Park in Richardson.
“We believe that joining forces in our work to end childhood cancer will generate an even greater impact in our efforts to achieve our joint missions,” said Larissa Linton, cofounder and executive director of Heroes for Children. “Over the last five years, we have served 33 percent of the same families. It seems natural that we come together to support and celebrate these families together.”
The assistance Heroes for Children provides directly to families helps relieve some of the financial strain and stress during these difficult times in their lives. Whether it is to pay a medical bill, buy gas for the frequent trips to the hospital or keep a family from having their electricity turned off, Heroes for Children is committed to helping families when they need it most. Wipe Out Kids' Cancer® is dedicated to raising awareness and funding for pediatric cancer research on a national level. They fund critical research initiatives and provide social support services through programs that adopt families battling the disease to give experiences and enable social support while they go through treatment.
“Collaboration instead of competition in our sector will be the landscape of the future, and we are proud to lead with that example” said Chandini Portteus, president and CEO of Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer. “By partnering together, we create efficiencies that result in more money and time available to meet our mission- more progress to cures, more access to social solutions and ultimately a cure for this disease.”
In keeping up with the annual tradition, the event will begin with a commemorative balloon release sponsored by 4Change Energy, celebrating the families served throughout the year and honoring the memory of Taylor Brewton and Allison “Allie” Scott who both passed away from Leukemia. Following the balloon release, participants of all ages can join in the Fun Run & 5K. Entertainment features a DJ and an Adventure Zone with games, activities, bounce houses, and a special area to honor and remember children who have battled cancer. The Heart of Gold 5K & Fun Run will also include prizes, awards, giveaways and food.
To register and for more information about this event, please visit www.runforthechildren.org
Heroes for Children is a unique nonprofit organization that provides financial and social assistance to families with a child battling cancer. Since 2005, Heroes for Children has helped alleviate families’ worries, giving them comfort and a brief respite from the everyday challenges of fighting cancer and care giving. Since its inception, more than $5.5 million has been given to 4,500 families in need. To learn more about Heroes for Children, please visit http://www.heroesforchildren.org.
Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer (WOKC) is a Dallas-based non-profit organization founded in 1980 and dedicated to raising awareness and funding for pediatric cancer research on a national basis. We have raised millions of dollars in the crusade against pediatric cancer and have developed programs to not only fight childhood cancer, but also to provide hope and support for kids and families dealing with cancer. Our mission is to work relentlessly for the day when all children are living cancer free. For more information, visit wokc.org.