A local couple is turning their personal journey into purpose by organizing a 5K Walk/Run to support the Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Mary Virginia Crites Hannan Park. The event kicks off at 9:00 a.m., with sign-in beginning at 8:00 a.m.
The walk/run is part of the 81K Challenge, a national initiative launched by KCA to raise awareness and funding for kidney cancer research, early detection, and treatment. The name reflects a sobering statistic: nearly 81,000 people will be diagnosed with kidney cancer this year alone.
The event organizers, a local husband and wife team, were personally impacted when the husband was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2023. Now a survivor, the couple decided to give back by volunteering with the KCA and hosting this community event as part of the nonprofit’s ongoing fundraising efforts.
“This is our way of supporting the fighters, honoring the survivors, and remembering those we’ve lost,” they shared. “We hope our community shows up in orange, ready to walk, run, and raise awareness.”
Participants can register online here and will be entered into a raffle drawing for gift cards, with a grand prize of a 7-night vacation for a family of four (winner responsible for taxes and fees). There will also be a balloon release, awareness pamphlets, and gifts for survivors and caregivers.
Free donuts and bagels will be provided by Tim Hortons, with event sponsorship from OhioHealth, 740 Aesthetics, and Earth Advocate.
Whether you run, walk, or cheer from the sidelines, your participation will make a difference in the fight against kidney cancer. Don’t miss this chance to support an important cause and celebrate strength, survivorship, and community.
