Runners Brave the Storm to Support Childhood Cancer Research

Despite the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, a dedicated group of runners and supporters gathered at Segra Park on Saturday morning for the 3rd annual Curing Kids Cancer Run With All Your Heart 5K and Family Fun Day. This event, organized by the Curing Kids Cancer Future Leaders in Medicine team at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, aimed to raise funds and awareness for the fight against childhood cancer.

Fueling the Fight Against Pediatric Cancer

Overcoming Adversity to Support a Worthy Cause

Many of the participants had faced their own challenges in the wake of the hurricane, with some dealing with power outages and debris cleanup. Yet, they came together, united by a common purpose: to support the crucial work of Curing Kids Cancer. This organization, founded by Grainne and Clay Owen in memory of their son Killian, who lost his battle with cancer at the age of 9, is dedicated to funding research and treatments that can save young lives.

Empowering the Next Generation of Medical Leaders

The event was organized by the Curing Kids Cancer Future Leaders in Medicine team, a group of student leaders at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. Co-founded by Brandon Gettleman and Kirklen Petersen in 2020, this team has been instrumental in driving the success of the annual 5K and Family Fun Day. This year's event was led by fourth-year medical student Sarah Hall, who worked tirelessly with her team to ensure everything was in place for the day's festivities.

Honoring the Legacy of Killian Owen

The Owens, Grainne and Clay, were present at the event, sharing their heartbreaking story and the inspiration behind Curing Kids Cancer. They explained how the lack of funding for pediatric cancer research had prevented their son from accessing a potentially life-saving treatment, a reality that motivated them to create an organization dedicated to filling this critical gap. Their presence and personal connection to the cause served as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to support childhood cancer research and treatment.

A Community United in Support

Despite the challenges posed by the recent hurricane, the event drew a strong turnout, with more than 100 runners and walkers participating in the 5K course through the BullStreet District. Dozens more were on hand to offer support and cheer on the participants, as well as to engage in the various activities and a silent auction. The event was further bolstered by the involvement of sponsors such as Alloy Personal Training, Mashburn, Advance America, and MaxLiving Chiropractic, who provided stretching, games, and other activities to enhance the experience.

Celebrating Achievements and Raising Vital Funds

The race itself was a success, with Mike Scrum claiming first place overall with a time of 16:48, and Shayna Gross being the first female finisher. The event's organizers were thrilled to announce that the fundraising efforts had exceeded their expectations, with more than $20,000 raised for Curing Kids Cancer. This remarkable achievement will undoubtedly contribute to the organization's ongoing efforts to support groundbreaking research and provide life-saving treatments for children battling cancer.