Approximately 150 people came out to support Owen’s Walk for Angel’s and Warriors at Brentsville District High School and to walk around the track, despite the cold weather on Saturday morning.
Owen Wicks, the 16-year-old resident of Bristow, died of bone cancer in April. His mother, Deena Westenhofer, and stepfather, Scott Westenhofer, who runs WestRash Charities, organized the fundraiser.
Money raised will be donated to Children’s National Medical Center in Washington D.C. to be used for pediatric cancer research and help families afford their visits to the hospital and pay off other family bills during their time of crisis.
“Most was word of mouth. We tried to keep the Halloween theme. The kids got prizes,” said Westenhofer.
Kids games included a football toss, bouncy castle from Big Country Amusements, Halloween dress up, face painting, apple
bobbing and other Halloween games.
There were t-shirts, cupcakes and brownies for sale at the event.
Friends of Owen volunteered at the event, running some of the activities.
Caitlin Steen of Patriot High School said, “Owen is one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. He would do anything to see someone else smile even if it meant getting himself in trouble.”
All his friends agreed that he was a class clown, who was nice to everyone he met.
Deena Westenhofer said that they definitely plan on holding a similar event next year, but would like to hold it earlier in the season when the weather may be more cooperative.
WestRash Charities began holding charity golf tournaments in 2002 to help financially support a friend’s child’s fight with
leukemia. Their family faced a similar struggle when Owen was diagnosed with cancer.
The Westenhofers said seeing families struggle to pay for their children’s treatments, travel expenses and time off work inspired them to sponsor those families after Owen had past away.
WestRash Charities is still selling t-shirts and taking donations to be given to Children's National Medical Center.
Support Bristow Beat - Donate Today!