Run (or walk) to fight children’s cancer

Olivia Baumgardner.

Grand Canyon University is hosting the inaugural Run to Fight Children’s Cancer on Saturday, Oct. 15.

Olivia Baumgardner, a 4-year-old who was diagnosed in October 2010 and is currently undergoing treatment, will start the race.

Grand Canyon University is hosting the 10K/5K run and cancer survivors’ walk to increase awareness of children’s cancer and raise funds for Tempe-based Children’s Cancer Network, which provides support for Arizona children and families dealing with childhood cancer.

The run will take place from 7 a.m. to noon at Grand Canyon University, 3300 W. Camelback Rd. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. Family-friendly activities will include face painting, music and appearances from local professional sports team mascots.

Take advantage of early registration discounts by signing up today. Fees for the 10K run are $30 through today, $35 tomorrow through Oct 14 and $40 the day of the event. Fees for the 5K run are $25 through today, $30 tomorrow through Oct 14 and $35 the day of the event. The Cancer Survivors’ Walk is free, and family and friends of survivors are encouraged to participate.

Participants will receive an official race T-shirt, goodie bag and refreshments, and the first 500 people to register will receive race day performance socks.

Last year, an estimated 350 Arizona children were diagnosed with cancer.

“Gas and food are two of the highest needs families in Arizona have in dealing with childhood cancer,” says Patti Luttrell, founder of the Children’s Cancer Network. “Daily trips to and from the hospital for weeks or months takes a financial toll on families.”

The organization dispersed more than $25,000 in gas cards in 2010.

Sponsors of the event include Bank of America, the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Phoenix Suns. For information on registration and volunteer opportunities, call 602-639-7286 or visit runtofightcancer.com.

About Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University is a private Christian University founded in 1949 and regionally accredited. It emphasizes individual attention for both traditional undergraduate students and the working professional in six colleges: the Ken Blanchard College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Nursing, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Find Arts and Production, and the College of Doctoral Studies. gcu.edu.

About Children’s Cancer Network

Children’s Cancer Network provides financial, educational and psychosocial support to children and families dealing with childhood cancer and strives to increase awareness of pediatric cancer research and the need to find a cure for cancer. childrenscancernetwork.org.

Kids create holiday cards for a cause

Kyndle, a 6-year-old leukemia survivor, was drawing a rainbow.

“I was commenting on how beautiful it was [and] I asked her if she knew what was at the end of the rainbow,” says Elaine Falkner, art project manager at the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders Art Project. “Across the table, one of our teenagers loudly blurted out, ‘the cure for cancer!’ The room full of kids doing artwork, parents, and volunteers, went really quiet, then everyone started cheering, laughing and clapping. It is one of those memories that still brings tears to my eyes.”

The art project is an ongoing fundraiser for the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, but it also helps participating children cope with their illness. In the months leading up to the winter holidays, patients at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, like Kyndle, create holiday cards reflecting their own stories. Other art projects are sold throughout the year.

“The diagnosis of cancer in a child is very devastating for mom, dad, and the whole family. It changes the entire family dynamic into one of survival mode and foreboding treatments,” Falkner says. “The Art Project gives the children a way of expressing themselves and taking their mind off of their illness [and] making their cute artwork into greeting cards and holiday cards [creates a] fundraising vehicle with all proceeds going back to our cancer center.”

Every year, workshops are held with local artists to show the patients different forms of art.

“Kids are natural learners and they are just mesmerized by the artists who volunteer their time to show them how to create their own special art,” Falkner says.

The cards offer a variety of designs including Christmas trees, snowmen, gingerbread houses, the patients’ own pets and pictures of moms, dads, siblings, flowers, birds, people, and rainbows.

To purchase cards or learn more about the program visit pchkidsart.com.