Children battling cancer and their families not only deal with the physical effects of the disease, but also with issues surrounding treatment, emotional impact, financial considerations and potential out-of-state travel. The Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada needs help to continue providing support for vulnerable local kids and families, and the public is invited to join the fight against cancer with the annual Candlelighters Superhero 5K.
The nonprofit organization’s largest fundraiser, typically held in-person, will be held virtually this year due to COVID-19 in consideration of the safety of all participants, staff and volunteers. To become a part of the superhero force, participants can gather family, friends and co-workers to form a team to race or walk during the weeklong event kicking off virtually via Facebook Live on Saturday, Sept. 19 with a warm up at 7:15 a.m., opening ceremonies at 7:30 a.m. and the run at 8 a.m. Participants can fundraise and/or complete the 5K by walking or running in their neighborhood, local park or one of several inspirational routes through Friday, Sept. 25. Celebratory finish lines will be available at multiple locations for participants to take photos and commemorate their participation.
There will be contests and giveaways throughout the event, and participants will receive a face mask, cape and medal with registration while supplies last. Prizes also will be awarded based on fundraising levels. Participants who raise $100 receive a blue color-changing water bottle; $250, roll-up picnic blanket; $500, canvas duffel bag; and $1,000, WiFi 4K action camera with accessories.
The cost to participate is $35 for age 9 and older, $15 for ages 3 to 9 and free under age 3. Packet pick-up will be on Thursday, Sept 17 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Candlelighters office, located at 8990 Spanish Ridge Avenue.
The Superhero 5K honors two ambassadors chosen by Candlelighters 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 Joey, who was 16 years old when he lost his battle with T-Cell Lymphoma. The Superhero Ambassador is two-year-old Logan, who is battling Diffuse Astrocytoma Brain Tumor.
The event sponsors are Centennial Toyota and Dollar Loan Center.
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.
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