Seventy volunteers and 1,042 runners and walkers showed up April 3 at Saylor Park’s Ironton Rail Trail in Coplay for “Ready, Set, Gold,” the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley’s 10th annual Walk/Run fundraiser.

The foundation, based in Bethlehem, was raising money for its core mission, the support of children diagnosed with cancer.

A team of student musicians from Freedom HS opened the ceremonies. Jared Dowling, a junior, and Sean Costanza, a freshman, played the National Anthem on their alto saxes while FHS Choir member Emily Barger sang the anthem. Dowling and Costanza are in the Patriot Band.

A detail from the Whitehall Police Department provide the color guard, comprised of Sgt. Ron Kester with an M-1 rifle, Sgt. Kevin Querio with the National Ensign, and Lt. Greg Eaker with the Pa. state flag.

“Promotional merchandise raises money to take care of families who have kids with cancer,” said Foundation Board member Jane Norde; she was with volunteers manning a table with shirts and other merchandise commemorating the event.

Shaiyan Feisal from Parkland HS and volunteering for the school’s Key Club, was helping with the merchandise sales.

“I’m working with the organization on a management project,” said Lehigh University student Jackson Cooney, also at the merchandise table.

Team Garrett, wearing green shirts, was awarded the top fund- raiser prize for a family

Participants in the run and the walk were organized into corporate teams, school teams, and teams formed by family and friends who want to support the foundation’s mission.

The money raised helps local families who are battling childhood cancer. Last year the Foundation raised over $70,000; this year it raised $72,000, according to Michelle Zenie, the executive director of the Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

Events included an 8K run and 5K walk as well as a kids’ “fun run” and obstacle course for 12 years old and younger. A raffle, music, food and entertainment rounded out the event.

The Pediatric Cancer Foundation awarded prizes for highest individual fundraiser, top corporate fundraising team, top school fundraising team, top family and friends fundraising team, and most spirited team.

The foundation’s mission, according to its website, is to “embrace the pediatric cancer journey alongside children and their families, moving forward as a community with love, hope, and smiles.”

The foundation supports families and patients at diagnosis, encourages them during treatment, empowers them in survivorship, and provides comfort throughout bereavement.

“We are focused on creating a loving and supportive cancer community for families whose lives have been forever changed by hearing the words, ‘Your child has cancer.’”

Upcoming events

Golf Outing fundraiser at Brookside Country Club, July 22, 2019

Gala fundraiser at Centennial Conference and Event Center, Center Valley,

Nov. 9, 2019