Run For The Kids Sunday In Palestine Children Relief Fund 5K At MVCC

PALOS HILLS, IL — A non-profit dedicated to raising money for the children of Palestine is holding a 5K run, 1-mile walk and kids dash this Sunday, Sept. 15, on the Moraine Valley Community College campus, 9000 College Drive, Palos Hills.

Selma Sweets Run for Peace, Move for Palestine presented by Team Palestine is raising money for the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund to provide critical relief to children affected by the carnage that has killed 40,000 civilians in Gaza. Advance registration is $35 for adults, $25 for kids up to age 12 online at PRCF Event. Same-day registration increases to $50 for adults and $35 for kids up to age 12.

All of the funds from this year’s race will go to Gaza relief efforts. The group has evacuated approximately 25 children affected by the bombings for medical treatment at various children’s hospitals in the United States, Spain and Africa.

Special guests of Sunday's Run for Peace 5K will be 2-year-old Jood Damo, and his father, Ahmed Damo, who were brought to the United States from Gaza in March. Jood was severely injured during a missile attack in December that claimed the life of his mother who died trying to shield her son.

The 2-year-old underwent surgery to repair his shattered knee. Jood is currently recovering and is receiving physical therapy at Shriners Children’s Hospital. He is also enrolled at a local preschool.

Palos Hills Mayor Jerry Bennett, PCRF Chairman Vivian Khalaf, and Moraine Valley President Dr. Pamela J. Haney will cut the ribbon between 7:30 and 7:45 a.m., followed by warm-up stretches led by Round4Fitness.

The 5K run starts at 8:30 a.m., with the 1-mile walk and kids dash starting at 8:45 a.m. The family-friendly event features a post-race brunch provided by M'dakhan and Holy buckets and sweets by sponsor Selma Sweets and a bouncy house for kids.

This is a certified 5K. Trophies will be awarded to the overall top male/female finisher, and the top finishers in the 14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49 and 50 and up age groups. Every participant will receive a medal.

Over the years, PCRF has sent over 2,000 affected children abroad for free medical care, sent thousands of international doctors and nurses to provide tens of thousands of children free medical care in local hospitals, and provided tens of thousands of children humanitarian aid and support they otherwise would not get.