MECHANICSBURG – The third annual Fearless 5K for Childhood Cancer Awareness will take place Saturday, Aug. 1, at Goshen Memorial Park in Mechanicsburg. This scenic race on a cross country course is nestled in the beautiful landscape of Champaign County and was created to benefit Mechanicsburg high school student Ellie Herdman, diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at the age of 16. Now a survivor, she recently walked across the stage to receive her high school diploma and is preparing to attend Wright State University this fall to fulfill her dream of becoming a pediatric nurse.
The race is hosted by Running4Life, a non-profit organization (501c3), to raise money for children with life-threatening illnesses.
Because of the more than 700 people who ran, walked, skipped, cheered and sponsored the past Fearless 5K races, this organization has been able to assist and provide much-needed relief to families with medical and travel expenses. Last year, two Champaign County children, and their families, received assistance from Running4Life during chemotherapy and radiation as they fought this battle.
During this journey, Ellie Herdman made several friends who continue to fight against childhood cancer. Some of those friends are toddlers and some are teens. Many of those friends are in radiation and chemotherapy. Some are winning the fight and some lost the battle.
“Expenses add up so quickly,” Shawn Herdman, Ellie’s mother, stated. “When your child is diagnosed with cancer, your life quickly spirals out of control. Often one of the parents is unable to work to be with their child in other cities and states. You rely on your dearest friends and even strangers to take care of your home, see that your other children are cared for and even for financial assistance. If it weren’t for the support and kindness we received from other Champaign County families, we would not have survived financially. We will be forever grateful and will continue the Fearless 5K to assist other children fighting for their lives and families fighting to survive.”
The race begins at 10 a.m., with registration opening at 8 a.m. Registration is $35 and includes a T-shirt. There will be a Kids Fun Run prior to the 10 a.m. race for children 10 and under. The cost is $15 and includes a T-shirt, medal and free admission to the bounce houses.
