The 10th annual Run to Fight Children’s Cancer helps lighten the load for Arizona families waging the fight of their lives.
Due to COVID-19, the race will take place virtually now through Oct. 25, but that hasn’t stopped thousands of runners, walkers, and cancer survivors from supporting the cause. And this year, there is something special to celebrate. For the first time, the Arizona Department of Health Services’ Office of Cancer Prevention and Control has dedicated part of its Arizona Cancer Control plan to children fighting this disease.
Through the Arizona Cancer Coalition, health providers, insurers, data scientists, philanthropists, public health professionals, and community advocates have developed individualized work plans with objectives to achieve by 2024. For childhood cancer, this includes improving health care providers’ understanding of the diagnosis and management of young cancer patients; identifying and implementing evidence-based interventions to address disparities in pediatric cancer care; and arming Arizona cancer families with knowledge, resources, and best practices to navigate the disease.
Here’s the skinny on the race:
- Participants can run or walk the 10k or 5k race any time from Oct. 11-25. They can choose their route and upload photos or videos to https://www.runtofightcancer.com/rtf-2020-photo-video-upload-form/.
- Prizes will be awarded for best start and finish lines, most creative attire, most original course, and best team spirit.
- On Oct. 18, 11-year-old honorary race starter Angel Carden will unite the cancer community in a video on www.runtofightcancer.com.
- Each day the week of Oct. 18 will be themed, so participants should check back on the website often.
- Oct. 25 will be the virtual Survivors’ Walk celebrating those who have conquered the disease, those who are walking in a child’s memory, and those who are still fighting.
- On Oct. 25, there will also be a watch party at which Children’s Cancer Network will announce the contest winners.
For more information, visit www.runtofightcancer.com or @runtofightchildrenscancer on Facebook, @run2fight on Insta, and @Run2Fight on Twitter. Registration is open throughout the month and donations also are accepted.
