5K Run to Benefit Childhood Cancer Research

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5K The 5K race will benefit pediatric cancer research. Photo submitted by Jenni Green

Organizers have announced that the 7th annual Alex’s Walk-N-Roll toward Wellness 5K, to benefit Alex’s Army, will be held Sept. 12 from 8 a.m. to noon at Battlefield High School’s football stadium.

Besides the race, residents can stop by for face painting, a game of corn hole, hula hooping and other fun activities while the runners make their way towards the finish line.

An awards ceremony for the fastest runners will follow the race, along with raffle prize announcements.

Race proceeds will benefit Alex’s Army, a local non-profit organization that provides Christian-based support to children living with a pediatric cancer diagnosis and their families.

“The 5K is really fun and we offer a lot of things for everyone. This year we’re focusing on wellness,” Jenni Green, President of Alex’s Army, said.

Alex2 Alex Green. Photo Submitted by Jenni Green

Before the race, participants learn about Alex’s Army, childhood cancer and its impact on children and their families. A guest speaker, or speakers, are invited to share their knowledge and expertise. This year an oncology doctor was invited to speak.

“In a past year, we highlighted that kids can do amazing things, and all of our guest speakers were kids,” Green said.

Alex’s Army is committed to raising funding for childhood cancer research. Pediatric cancer is the number one cause of disease-related deaths in children; however, childhood cancer research is only allotted 4 precent of the national cancer research budget. As a result, 10-year-old Alex Green’s treatment is outdated. Newer treatment will not be available in the foreseeable future, which is why Alex’s Army has partnered with the Children’s Oncology Group to financially support advances in new discoveries and cures for cancer in children.

“We just want people to get involved one way or another,” Green said.

Register for the 5K run online at www.alexsarmyccf.org or contact Heather Sanden at hsanden12@gmail.com for additional information. Check-in for the race begins at 8  a.m., and the race kicks off at 9:30 a.m. The Fun Race starts at 8:30 a.m.

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