The signs along the Ironton Rail Trail reminded participants why they had come.

“Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day,” read one tribute honoring Aiden John Luke Ortiz, who died in 2022 at age 2.

For the hundreds of people who gathered Sept. 19 at Saylor Park in Coplay, the messages reflected the purpose behind the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley’s 17th annual Ready, Set, Gold! fundraiser: supporting children battling cancer and the families who stand beside them.

Among those families was Team Owen.

Owen Manfredo of Lower Macungie Township, who was diagnosed in 2020 with neurofibromatosis, was joined by 50 supporters, making Team Owen the event’s largest team. His parents, Mike and Shannon Manfredo, helped organize the group, while his twin brother and older sister spent the morning by his side.

Later, during the awards ceremony, Owen’s sister, Emma Hirth, reflected on the support her family has received.

“Owen has a lifetime of fighting, but one thing he has never been short on is people cheering him on,” she told the crowd. “To all the cancer families, look around. You have a pretty awesome fan club. Today we walked (and ran) for every kid fighting childhood cancer and I hope you all continue to show the same support and love even after today.”

That spirit was evident throughout the morning.

Participants checked in as volunteers prepared for a day that included an 8K run, 5K walk, Kids’ Fun Run, raffles, food and family activities. A virtual participation option also was available. Heavy and Highway Construction Laborers’ Local 158 served as presenting sponsor, while dozens of other businesses and organizations contributed support.

More than 100 children took part in the Kids’ Fun Run, navigating obstacles while characters including Spider-Man, Bluey, Wonder Woman, Elsa and Glinda cheered them on. The Red Robin mascot and Turtle also circulated through the crowd.

Among the participants was Colson Tkach of Lehighton, who is battling ependymoma, a form of brain cancer. Lorenzo Giarraffa of Bethlehem joined the festivities with his younger brother, Oliver, while Jameson Tremmel tackled the course as his father guided younger brother Pippin through the activities.

For a few hours, treatments, medications and hospital visits faded into the background as children ran, laughed, played with balloons and posed for photos.

Every team carried a story.

Christopher Franco of Fleetwood, who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2025, walked alongside family and friends who gathered to support him and his dreams of one day serving in the military and playing football.

Others connected with the event because of their own health battles.

Susan Jaynes of Kutztown completed her first 8K since finishing chemotherapy for breast cancer. Running with her daughter, Mary Walls of Bath, Jaynes crossed the finish line as the final participant.

For Jaynes, finishing was the victory.

Jeff Reiss of Lower Saucon Township shared a similar outlook. After losing 120 pounds over the past two years, the 56-year-old completed his first 8K race. As he crossed the finish line, he turned to his wife, Christina, and asked, “Am I the last one?”

At Ready, Set, Gold!, showing up mattered far more than finishing first.

One of the day’s loudest cheers was reserved for Garrett Snyder, 16, of Nazareth.

Officially declared cancer-free last December, Garrett was recognized as the event’s top individual fundraiser, while Garrett’s Gladiators earned top fundraising team honors.

Another award went to the Abengers, a superhero-themed team supporting Ben Barto of Emmaus in his fight against childhood cancer.

By day’s end, the event had raised $100,000 for the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley, which provides free support and programming to families during treatment, survivorship and bereavement.

Along the trail, the memorial signs remained in place, honoring children still fighting, survivors and those who have died. Their message echoed the foundation’s mission: No pediatric cancer family walks alone.