From Maddi’s Closet 5K Race To Help Children Battling Cancer 

 

A legion of costumed super heroes will take to the streets this April to help children battling cancer.

From Maddi’s Closet, a local non-profit organization working to improve the lives of children fighting cancer, will sponsor its 10th annual 5K run/walk/fun event on Saturday, April 11 starting at La Serna High School in Whittier.

“While everyone who assists children fighting cancer is a hero, the true super heroes are the children who must deal with the pain and uncertainty this terrible disease causes every day,” says From Maddi’s Closet Founder and President Donna Holmes.

Participants in the Year of the Super Hero 5K event benefiting children with cancer are encouraged to dress like a super hero for some extra fun. The first 100 registered youth under 12 years old will receive an event medal. Medals for the Fastest Adult male and female and Fastest Youth male and female will be awarded to registered participants.

The event schedule includes: Registration opens at 6:15 a.m., Warm-up at 7:15 a.m., Super Villain 1/2 mile Youth Fun Run at 7:30 a.m., Pancake breakfast served 7:30 – 9:45 a.m., Welcome and 5K Run / Walk scheduled 7:55 a.m. with competitive timing ending at 9:00 a.m., and Award Ceremony at 9:45 a.m.

There are three ways to register: In advance 1) online at www.active.com, 2) online at www.frommaddiscloset.org, or 3) In person at the event.  The cost to register for the event is Pre-registration Youth $15 and Adult $30. After March 28th, Youth $20 and Adult $35.

Several types of event sponsorship opportunities are available for the 5K race.  Blue ribbon sponsorships are $1,000.  Red ribbon sponsors cost $500.  Yellow ribbon sponsors are $250.  Pink ribbon sponsors cost $100. For sponsor information, contact Deardra at [email protected] or call (562) 631-3440.

Booth space reservations are $100 for business vendor and $50 for community service providers, including non-profits.  For reservations email vendor coordinator at: [email protected] (562) 943-9402.

From Maddi’s Closet was started a decade ago after Madison Leslie Holmes lost her battle with cancer at four years of age.

Maddi’s family and friends began the organization to carry on the extraordinary spirit of generosity and compassion the young girl had shown to other children fighting cancer. Maddi frequently befriended other children undergoing treatment, giving her own toys and clothing to those in need.  She even asked her family members to go and sit with other children who were more sick, frightened or lonely when they had no family members at the hospital.

Since its early days, participation in From Maddi’s Closet has grown, and the organization has broadened its efforts to support children with cancer.  The group now raises funds for pediatric cancer research. The organization also offers support to ill children and their families whose special emotional and financial needs are unmet by other assistance programs. The group provides many services – from an annual toy drive to events and activities geared for patients at CHOC and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

Children also become involved in helping children through From Maddi’s Closet. A Junior Advisory Board composed of middle school and high school students represents the organization at many public events, operates public awareness booths, hosts inpatient and outpatient projects, and assists at the annual We Can Family Camp for children with cancer.

From Maddi’s Closet presented a check to Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles for $50,000 in 2014.  A major part of those funds were raised at its annual “Reach for the Stars” dinner.  Some 155 attendees participated in the event, which was highlighted by the presentation of awards to distinguished medical personnel.  The evening also included a silent auction and a live auction to raise funds for the cause.

Numerous opportunities are available throughout the year for individuals, businesses and organizations to support From Maddi’s Closet activities. For further information visit www.frommaddiscloset.org.