Fifth-graders organize kids to run to find answers to cancer
At the age of 11, Oak Brook fifth-graders Anuj Karmachandani and Marcos Lopez are no strangers to philanthropy. Inspired by Marcos’ uncle, a soldier who served in Afghanistan and Iraq for several years, both boys often play tennis tournaments to benefit SaveAVet.org.
Last year, Anuj participated in his first charity 5K, Race for Kelli, which raised funds for the Kelli Joy O’Laughlin Memorial Fund, and he is making plans to volunteer at a local rescue shelter.
When Anuj’s grandmother, Kavita Tekchandani (“Nani” to Anuj and his family), was diagnosed with breast cancer in February, the news hit his family hard, especially his mother, Aarti.
At school, Anuj shared his story with Marcos during lunch. Marcos immediately empathized because his grandfather had suffered from cancer as well.
Looking to help Nani and to honor Marcos’ grandfather, the boys decided right then to sign up for the Oak Brook Park District’s third annual Pink 5K on Saturday, May 11. But they didn’t stop there. They began asking their classmates if they wanted to participate, and at basketball practice that afternoon they talked to their friends’ parents to make sure it was OK to organize the team, Answers for Cancer. They signed up 28 people to run on the team.
Anuj came home from school that day and told his mom that all his friends wanted to run the Pink 5K for Nani.
“He organized all of this without me even knowing,” Aarti said. “We were all just so touched. These kids have never even met my mom; they just love Anuj and want to help a neighbor in need.”
Anuj and Marcos also have organized weekend training sessions to help get their team in shape for the race.
“We all like to run a lot,” Anuj said, as he organized relay races around his cul-de-sac. When asked if he had a specific goal for the run, he responded, “I just want everyone to finish the race.”
The Pink 5K starts at 8 a.m. in Central Park, 1450 Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook. Registration is from 6 to 7:45 a.m. Local opera singer Lisa Griffith will sing the national anthem at 7:50 a.m.
The race day registration fee is $35. Proceeds benefit the Hinsdale Hospital Foundation Open Arms Breast Cancer Outreach Fund. For information, contact www.obparks.org/pink5k or (630) 990-4233.
If you go
What: Pink 5K
Why: Proceeds fund mammograms through Hinsdale Hospital Foundations Open Arms Breast Cancer Outreach Fund
When: 8 a.m. Saturday, May 11; registration starts at 6 a.m.
Where: Central Park, 1450 Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook
Cost: $35
Info: www.obparks.org/pink5k or (630) 990-4233