The fourth annual “Reason to Run” 5K run/walk and family event benefitting CancerFree KIDS Pediatric Cancer Research Alliance
Saturday, November 5, at 8 a.m.
Deering Estate
16701 S.W. 72 Avenue

On-site registration and check-in will begin at 7 a.m. The registration fee is $25 for adults before October 25. The fee increases to $30 thereafter. For more information on the race event or to register, please visit www.reasontorun.org or call (305) 807-7079.

To date, the event has raised more than $100,000 for pediatric cancer research. Dr. Julio Barredo of UM Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center received the first local award last year for a study entitled Targeting Glycolysis and the AMPK Regulated Metabolic Networks in Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). This year, event organizers hope to raise enough money to purchase the Bio-Plex 200. The instrument would allow for complex analyses of protein and nucleic acid vital to the research being conducted at UM Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.

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 a number of fundraising events for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

“Finding cures for pediatric cancers took on a special meaning for my family four years ago when my then 5-year-old nephew was diagnosed with a brain tumor,” said Linda Martinez, event organizer. “Through the work of dedicated doctors and nurses, he is winning his fight. But the fact remains that cancer is the number one disease killer of children, and the treatments currently available often negatively impact the quality of life for those who survive. Events such as this one will help fund life-saving research while raising awareness that there is still much work to be done.”

After the run/walk, participants will be invited to enter the Deering property for a post-race event that will include a raffle, 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. Those wishing to enter, but not run, can make a donation or purchase a raffle ticket for five dollars.

Sponsors for “Reason to Run” 5K run/walk include: Palmetto Ford, SeaView Research, HiTEX Marketing, Jackson South Community Hospital, Dolphin Mall and Preferred Care Partners.

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.