Coordinated by Children’s Cancer Network, the event features a 10K, 5K and a Cancer Survivor Walk at Mesa’s Riverview Park
On the morning of Saturday, May 6, a sea of purple and gold will swarm over Mesa’s Riverview Park as runners and walkers participate in Children’s Cancer Network’s 13th Annual Run to Fight Children’s Cancer. The popular fundraising event, which celebrates survivorship and honors those who have lost their battle, is open to participants of all ages and all levels, including elite runners, joggers, and walkers.
Children’s Cancer Network (CCN) Executive Director and Co-founder Patti Luttrell said the annual run has grown to be one of the nonprofit’s largest events.
“When we started Children’s Cancer Network 20 years ago, we were determined to provide assistance to children at all stages of their cancer journey as well as their family members,” Luttrell said. “We provide financial assistance, promote education, encourage healthy lifestyles, build self-esteem, and help others understand what it’s like for a family to battle childhood cancer. Most importantly, our support doesn’t end when chemo ends…we’re there for the long haul.”
The event features a 10K run, a 5K run, a Cancer Survivor Walk and the option to participate as a virtual runner. With the 10K starting at 7 a.m. and the 5K starting at 7:45 a.m., there should be plenty of time to cheer on those participating in the Cancer Survivor Walk, which starts at 9 a.m. and is a celebratory walk around a small pond within the park. Mesa’s Riverview Park is located at the northwest corner of Dobson and Rio Salado Parkway.
Spunky 9-Year-Old Race Starter is “Living Her Best Life”
This year’s race starter is 9-year-old Elilai Ramarui, daughter of Melody Orak and Abel Ramaruiof Ahwatukee. Elilai is a third grader who enjoys cheerleading, dancing, playing piano, tumbling and playing Roblox with her friends.
In March 2022, Elilai was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a form of bone cancer. Her symptoms began with a swollen arm that even her doctor thought might be from a sprain or other injury. But a routine X-ray was concerning enough that it led to an MRI and a trip after that to a local hospital’s emergency department. A biopsy the next day confirmed the diagnosis of a tumor in her elbow.
“It was an extremely challenging time,” Melody said. “Elilai’s course of treatment included 20 cycles of chemotherapy and 32 days of radiation. Surgery wasn’t an option for her because of her petite size and the fact that she’s still growing.”
Melody and Abel connected with Children’s Cancer Network before Elilai completed her treatment in late November 2022. Elilai had not been able to complete second grade, and they were concerned about her adjusting to a new group of classmates.
“When Melody and Abel reached out, we sent a representative from our H.O.P.E. program to meet with Elilai’s new classmates. H.O.P.E. stands for Honoring Our Peers Everyday, and this 55-minute program is designed to explain childhood cancer in an age-appropriate way,” Luttrell said. “Whether we’re presenting to classmates, a church group, a sports team or another group, our goal is to empower them with actionable knowledge and encourage compassionate behavior that builds a stronger community of support for those battling childhood cancer.”
Since then, Elilai has also participated as a model in CCN’s Inspirations Fashion Show and CCN arranged for her to cheer at a girls varsity basketball game at Williams Field High School in Gilbert.
“Elilai is excited to be this year’s race starter,” Melody said. “She’s always been spunky, but she’s even more determined now to live her best life.”
Individuals and teams can register for the May 6 Run to Fight Children’s Cancer at www.runtofightcancer.com. In addition, Children’s Cancer Network has been designated by the state of Arizona as a Qualified Charitable Organization where donors filing in the state receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for cumulative donations up to $400 for individual filings and $800 for joint filings on their state income tax returns. For more information, visit www.childrenscancernetwork.org.
About Children’s Cancer Network
The mission of Children’s Cancer Network is to support children and families throughout their cancer journey with programs and services designed to provide financial assistance, promote education, encourage healthy lifestyles and create an awareness of issues they face related to childhood cancer. For more information, visit www.childrenscancernetwork.org.
