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.
