Under bright blue skies and the crisp morning air, thousands of runners and walkers converged to support the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation’s Reaching for the Cure on March 24, 2024. From competitive runners to weekend warriors, grieving families to laughing children of all ages, the turnout was a powerful display of unity and determination. The atmosphere oscillated between joyous celebration and heart-wrenching emotion, reflecting the purpose of the gathering.
The event grounds were adorned with vibrant signage, displaying the names of corporate sponsors, local vendors, and participating teams. Amidst the sea of color, attendees enjoyed an array of child-friendly attractions, including game trucks, slides, giant Jenga, balloon artists, and ice-cream stands. The towering “Warrior Wall,” which bore the names of 874 courageous children lost to pediatric cancers underscored the event’s mantra, Every Step Counts.
This annual race is the Foundation’s largest single fundraiser of the year. The money raised fuels scientific innovation. While participants may have varied training regimens and levels of endurance, they all share a common goal: to accelerate the development of safer, more effective treatments for pediatric cancers. The collective vision of Reaching for the Cure participants is to make it possible for every child diagnosed with cancer to overcome the disease so they can spread their wings and live happy, fulfilling lives.
Seventy teams rose to the fundraising challenge. Among them, Powerstone Property Management, LBA Realty, Northwestern Mutual of Los Angeles, Long Beach and Manhattan Beach, Cox Castle & Nicholson, LLP, Shulman Bastian Friedman & Bui LLP, Deloitte and TaxRise led the charge, rallying their employees and families for the cause. Together these seven teams mobilized 330 participants and raised more than $195,000, exemplifying the power of corporate community engagement.
At the heart of the event are the countless families whose lives have been forever changed by childhood cancers. Mothers, fathers, siblings, and grandparents all turned out – united in solidarity to do their part to contribute to new cures. These teams participate to recognize the heartbreaking reality of childhood cancers and to honor and memorialize children close to them who were affected by it.
While “individual family” teams may not have the same resources as their corporate counterparts, their impact is equally profound. Through innovative grassroots activities — from community outreach to dining fundraisers, garage sales, and more –their creativity and initiatives exemplified the resilience and determination that defines our work.
To every participant, whether corporate team or family unit, your contribution is invaluable. Without each and every one of you, our mission would remain unfulfilled. Together, we are making progress, fueled by the shared vision of a world where every child beats the disease and can soar as high as their imagination and personal desires will take them.
