Circle of Care for families of children with cancer is excited to welcome runners, walkers, and supporters to its annual Make Tracks Walk & 5K Run on Sunday, September 20, at Westport’s Sherwood Island State Park. Held during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the event brings the community together to raise awareness and critical funds for families facing childhood cancer throughout Connecticut.
Presented by ASML, the event features a 5K run and a relaxed, community walk, giving runners and walkers of all ages and abilities an opportunity to participate. The morning begins with check-in at 8:30 a.m., followed by an opening ceremony honoring the event's ambassador, Cemari Cardenas Velazquez, a childhood cancer survivor and recipient of Circle of Care’s services. All participants will receive a commemorative event T-shirt as a keepsake and a symbol of their support for children and families affected by childhood cancer.
After crossing the finish line, participants are invited to stay and enjoy a festive post-race celebration featuring music, food offerings, health and wellness exhibitors, family activities, and more community fun.
Participants are encouraged to take their impact even further by fundraising and participating together as a team to increase awareness and support for families navigating childhood cancer.
Founded in 2003 by parents of children with cancer, Circle of Care has provided practical, emotional, and financial support to over 4,000 families throughout Connecticut, and to those receiving treatment at partner hospitals in New York and Massachusetts. The organization's mission is to ensure no family faces the emotional or financial burdens of childhood cancer alone.
"Make Tracks is more than a walk or run. It's a day when families facing childhood cancer see firsthand that they are surrounded by an entire community standing beside them," said Liz Salguero, Founder and Executive Director at Circle of Care. "Every participant, volunteer, donor, and sponsor helps provide the practical, emotional, and financial support our families rely on throughout their journey."
Current sponsors of the event include ASML, Northwestern Mutual Tri-Harbor Financial Group, John Schiaroli at Coldwell Banker Global Luxury, The Mindy Whang Fund, Power Posse Productions, Fairfield County Bank, and Reilly Mechanical.
To register or learn more, visit thecircleofcare.org/maketracks.