PADUCAH, KENTUCKY (WSIL) -- You can help support families in western Kentucky and southern Illinois who have a child battling cancer and further pediatric cancer research.
is hosting its 6th annual Just Imagine Childhood Cancer walk on September 18th, and for the first time it will be held at the McCracken County High School.
Gaylon Hayden says the event is geared so families can have a fun-filled day together. In addition to the walk, there will be Zumba classes, a tattoo tent, cornhole and other games.
"It means the world not only to the families, it means the world to the children to see people actually showing up," she says with a tearful eye. "Because they know the money that's coming in from this fundraiser will continue to help them."
Money raised from walk helps to provide parents who have a child battling cancer some financial relief, so they can focus on caring for their loved one.
Often, parents must drive hours away from homes to take their son or daughter to doctors appointments, which can be overnight or multiple days.
So, new members to the group are gifted an emergency envelope with $250 worth of gift cards to help with travel and lodging expenses:
- $150 Visa Card
- $50 fuel card
- $50 restaurant card
After that, parents can choose one bill of their to be submitted and be paid such as house/rent, car payment, auto insurance, internet, phone, etc.
Another aspect of the walk is to donate to childhood cancer research. The goal is for participants to walk four miles representing the 4% of federal funding for cancer research that's given to children versus 96% to adults.
Hayden hopes this will be the last childhood cancer event that she will ever have to host.
"Our ultimate goal is to not have to have another childhood cancer walk and close this organization down because there's a cure for cancer," she explains.
Until then, the organization can use the support of local residents, businesses and volunteers.
"The number one disease-related death in children is cancer," she states. "So let's change the face of pediatric cancer. Let's get behind these families who are deserving of our help."
The deadline to register for the Just Imagine Childhood Cancer Walk and be guaranteed a t-shirt is September 1st. Day of registration will take place, but participants cannot be guaranteed a shirt in their size.
For more information, .
