Annual Heroes Like Haley 5K fights pediatric cancer

Feeling charitable? Need a reason to get outside and enjoy the beautiful summer weather? Look no further than the fifth annual Heroes Like Haley 5K Run/Walk, which will be at 9 a.m. Sunday, July 14, at Cary-Grove Park, next to Cary-Grove High School, 2208 Three Oaks Road, Cary.

To celebrate its fifth year, Heroes Like Haley is planning a tropical Hawaiian luau theme in addition to the family-friendly fun that all attendees have come to expect at the fundraiser.

This event is geared toward novice runners and walkers of any age and includes a chip-timed 5K course for the advanced runner, along with a free Kids Fun Run sponsored by The Goddard School.

Also included will be an ice cream truck, doughnuts, bounce houses, Minions, a photo booth and face painting.

Register at www.heroeslikehaley.org/2019hlh5k before June 30 to receive a special edition Fifth Anniversary Medal and Dri-Fit T-shirt. Day-of registration is available (T-shirt and medal not included). Registration is $30; additional fundraising is encouraged.

This year, the organization will help four local children and families who have been diagnosed with cancer, including McHenry County resident Cade. Last June, at age 2, Cade was diagnosed with a type of brain cancer called medulloblastoma.

After numerous surgeries and chemotherapy treatments, Cade got to "ring the bell" and was declared cancer free in February. But in May his cancer came back with a vengeance. He now will face a year of chemotherapy treatments along with radiation in the hopes to shrink the numerous tumors.

Money raised by Heroes Like Haley goes directly to families to help ease the burden of financial expenses.

Founded in 2015, Heroes Like Haley is an Illinois-based 501(c) (3) charitable organization in memory of Haley Lichter. It is dedicated to providing financial support and improving the quality of life for local pediatric cancer patients, survivors and families.

It also raises community awareness toward pediatric brain cancer and implementing college scholarships for local high school students.

For details, email misty@heroeslikehaley.org. To register, visit www.heroeslikehaley.org/2019hlh5k.