If anybody needs a superhero on their side, it’s children battling cancer and their families. They’re not only dealing with the physical effects of the disease but also with treatment, emotional impact, financial considerations and potential out-of-state travel. The biggest hero to these vulnerable kids and families is the Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada, which provides support in all these areas.
The public is invited to join the fight against cancer in a fun way with the annual Candlelighters Superhero 5K presented by Centennial Toyota. People can become part of the superheroes force for Candlelighters beneficiaries by gathering family, friends and co-workers to form their own teams to race or walk. Costumes are welcome, and Candlelighters will provide the capes. Other activities will include a Kids Zone with slides and an obstacle course, community partner booths, opening ceremonies, warm-up by TruFusion, awards ceremony for timed runners, music, a beer garden hosted by Ellis Island Casino & Brewery, food from local vendors, water provided by iDrink, raffle prizes and more.
The Superhero 5K returns to the Mountain’s Edge Master Planned Community on Saturday, Sept. 14. Activities will be based at the Exploration Park with the 5K route throughout the highly regarded community. The 80-acre park also offers participants a water play area, replicas of a western town and Indian village and companion playground, archaeology dig site, picnic areas, walking and hiking trails, and more.
The event is Candlelighters largest fundraiser, and there are prizes based on fundraising levels. Participants who raise $100 receive a Sports water bottle; $250, large cooler; $500, Amazon Echo; and $1,000, access into the VIP area and Air Pods or PowerBeats. The VIP tent – also for teams raising $2,000 – features shaded areas with seating, brunch, mini massages, a swag grab and private restrooms.
Each year, the nonprofit Candlelighters chooses event ambassadors for their courage, spirit and bravery in dealing with their cancer and for serving as inspirations to those around them and others battling the deadly disease in all its forms. This year’s Angel Ambassador is Mairyn Mayers, who was 12 years old when she lost her battle with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Nik Davison, also 12 with ALL, and Navy Bishop, 6, who has Neuroblastoma, are the Superhero Ambassadors.
Key registration dates for the Superhero 5K are:
– Online: Team registration at www.candlelightersnv.org by 5 p.m. on Sept. 13 to qualify for any awards
– In Person: At the Candlelighters office by Sept. 13 or on race day from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.
– By Mail: Postmarked by Sept. 9 to Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada, 8990 Spanish Ridge Ave., Ste. 100, Las Vegas, NV 89148
Key event day times are: registration from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30a.m., warm-up at 7:15 a.m., opening ceremonies at 7:30 a.m., and the race and walk at 8 a.m. Festivities will continue until 11 a.m.
The cost to participate is $40 for age 9 and older by Aug. 31, $45 for age 9 and older from Sept. 1-13, $15 for ages 3 to 9 through Sept. 14, and free under age 3.
Exploration Park is just south of the main entrance of Mountain’s Edge at 9700 S. Buffalo Drive.
Event proceeds allow Candlelighters to provide children with cancer and their families with needed help through a variety of emotional assistance, quality of life and financial support programs.
In addition to Centennial Toyota, other sponsors are Mountain’s Edge Master Planned Community, Take 5 to Care, The Revolution, Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada, and Blue Apple Electric.
Visit www.candlelightersnv.org or call (702) 737-1919 for more information, registration, and volunteer and participation opportunities.
About Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada
Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada is the first and oldest nonprofit organization in Nevada serving children, from birth to 21 years old, and families coping with childhood cancer. Its mission is to provide emotional support, quality of life programs, and financial assistance for children and their families affected by childhood cancer. Since its establishment more than 40 years ago, Candlelighters has helped thousands of families, and now serves 125 families each month and as many as 1,000 children (diagnosed child and sibling combined) per year. For information, visit www.candlelightersnv.org.
