5^th Annual Cancer Superhero 5K: Soaring Success

By: Jill White, M Family Foundation, Event Director

With a mission centered around ovarian cancer and pediatric cancer, the M Family Foundation spent all of September to raise awareness, increase education, and provide financial support directly to women battling these deadly diseases. With Michael and Nancy, 2019 and 2020 Superheroes, at the center of motivation, the effort to make a difference was the largest one yet.

Kelly McCarthy, M Family Foundation Co-Founder, stated “With the Covid-Delta variant in full force as we headed into our event month of September, we knew that making this year’s race completely virtual was the best way to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved. The virtual race allows for everyone to make this a personal and fun experience. Multiple businesses, families, local mom groups, dance teams, entire neighborhoods, fitness groups, and individuals all coming together and completing their charity 5K this month, was truly special.”

More than 750 registered runners throughout the United States, Canada and Europe are set to complete their 5K races throughout the month of September and beyond. Superhero 5K participants have done so by walking, running, cycling, swimming, roller blading, Peloton riding, and even a pub crawl! Registered runners received a swag box in the mail including an official race hat, finisher medal, and corporate donations from various event sponsors.

Proceeds raised from this event will be distributed to our 2021 Pediatric Superhero, Eli. Eli was diagnosed on August 5th with a pediatric cancer called DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma), which is a type of brain tumor found in an area of the brainstem known as the pons.

For additional information about the M Family Foundation and for ways to get involved, please head over to www.mfamilyfoundation.org.

Eli Paine

2021 Pediatric Superhero