The tenth annual “Reason to Run” 5K run/walk and family event benefiting CancerFree KIDS Pediatric Cancer Research Alliance will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2017, at the Deering Estate, 16701 S.W. 72 Avenue, at 8 a.m. Preregistration is encouraged and can be accessed at www.reasontorun.org. On-site registration and check-in will begin at 7 a.m.
In addition to a beautiful, tree-lined course, the annual 5K run/walk features a post-race party on the Deering Estate with stunning views of Biscayne Bay. Participants will enjoy giveaways, music, food, drinks, bounce-houses and other entertainment in the family area. All participants will be automatically entered to win one of many raffle prizes including a Miami Seaquarium dolphin swim for four, a golf foursome at the Deering Bay Yacht and Country Club, admission to other attractions, and a host of other prizes. Those wishing to enter, but not walk or run, can make a donation or purchase a raffle ticket for $5.To date, CancerFree KIDS has funded 97 innovative research projects, investing $700,000 in 2016 alone. Dr. Julio Barredo of the UM Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center has received grants totaling $80,000, and Dr. Regina Graham, Director of the University of Miami Brain Tumor Initiative, received a $30,000 grant.
The “Reason to Run” 5K run/walk is the brainchild of avid marathoners and training partners Linda Martinez and Lisette Zamora. Both women have participated in and coached a number of fundraising events for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
“Finding cures for pediatric cancers took on a special meaning for my family ten years ago when my now 15-year-old nephew was diagnosed with a brain tumor when he was 5 years old,” said Martinez, event organizer. “The fact remains that cancer is the number one disease killer of children but receives only four percent of the National Cancer Institute’s budget, and the treatments currently available often negatively impact the quality of life for those who survive. Events like this will help fund life-saving research while raising awareness that there is still much work to be done.”
Sponsors for “Reason to Run” 5K run/walk include: Palmetto Ford, HiTEX Marketing, Florida Blue and Dolphin Mall. Several local schools and businesses have initiated fundraising campaigns, and several teams have formed in honor or in memory of a pediatric cancer patient.
CancerFree KIDS’ mission is to fund life-saving research of childhood cancers. CFK supports research by raising funds in a myriad of ways and by actively advocating for additional funding of pediatric cancer research on a national level. The non-profit 501(c)(3) organization was founded on the belief that research can lead to a cure, not only for children, but for everyone. For additional information, visit www.cancerfreekids.org.
For more information on the race event or to register or donate, please visit www.reasontorun.org or call (305) 807-7079.
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Prior post relating to this outstanding event: November 1, 2016, A busy weekend - Saturday, November 5 - Two competing 5Ks and a Pine Rockland clean up- CANCERFREE KIDS REASON TO RUN 5K
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