Candlelighters Superhero 5K for Kids Battling Cancer on Sept. 18
— Sign Up for Live Event or Virtual Option —
The call is out to join forces to help children with cancer and their families in their battle against cancer with the Candlelighters Superhero 5K presented by Centennial Toyota. The annual event is Saturday, Sept. 18. It returns to Exploration Peak Park for the live event but also will keep the virtual component that was held last year prior to COVID-19 vaccine approval.
Children with cancer and their families not only deal with the physical effects of the disease, but also with issues surrounding treatment, emotional impact, financial considerations and potential out-of-state travel. The nonprofit Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada provides these supportive services for vulnerable local kids and families, but needs the public to join the fight against cancer for its largest fundraiser.
To become part of the Candlelighters Superhero 5K force, people can gather family, friends and co-workers to form a team or individually to run or walk throughout the Mountain’s Edge master planned community, where the park is located at 9700 S Buffalo Dr. The event will include food options, a kids zone with bounce houses, and everyday superheroes in full costume. Registration will come with a cape, while supplies last. Arrival by 7 a.m. on event day is recommended. Festivities include a warm up at 7:15 a.m., opening ceremonies at 7:30 a.m., the race at 8 a.m., and various booths until 10 a.m.
For the virtual component, participants can reach their goal by walking or running anywhere at anytime starting Sept. 13. All participants will receive a race bib, cape and medal.
Prizes will be awarded based on fundraising levels for $100, $500, $1,000 and potentially higher. Additionally, individuals raising $1,000 or more and teams raising $2,000 or more by Sept. 16 will receive access into a VIP Lounge where there will be a catered breakfast, WiFi, phone chargers, seating, and shade.
The cost to participate is $35 for age 10 and older, $15 for ages 3 to 9, and free under age 3 and for Candlelighters families. Well-behaved, leashed pets ̶ in pet friendly costumes ̶ are welcome for $15 each. Packet pick-up will begin Monday, Sept. 13 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Candlelighters office, located at 8990 Spanish Ridge Ave., Ste. 100.
The Superhero 5K honors two ambassadors chosen by Candlelighters for their courage, spirit and bravery in dealing with their cancer and for serving as inspirations to those around them and others with this potentially fatal disease in all its forms. This year’s Angel Ambassador is Gavin Kilcullen, who was 15 years old when he passed away with multiple cancers. The Superhero Ambassador is 6-year-old Elias Dias, who continues battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).
In addition to presenting sponsor Centennial Toyota, other event sponsors are Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada, Blue Apple Electric, Southwest Gas, ER Injury Attorneys, Optum Care, Raising Cane’s and UFC.
Visit www.candlelightersnv.org or call (702) 737-1919 for more information, registration, and volunteer and participation opportunities.
About Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada
Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada is the first and oldest nonprofit organization in Nevada serving children, from birth to 21 years old, and families coping with childhood cancer. Its mission is to provide emotional support, quality of life programs, and financial assistance for children and their families affected by childhood cancer. Since its establishment more than 40 years ago, Candlelighters has helped thousands of families, and now serves nearly 400 families each month and more than 1,000 children (diagnosed child and sibling combined) per year. For information, visit www.candlelightersnv.org.