Battling cancer is tough, especially if you’re a kid. Not only are there treatments and doctors’ appointments, but you miss out on a lot of what makes childhood special. That’s why Camp iHope is the sole beneficiary of YTAC’s Young Texans RACE Against Cancer.
Runners gather in Trinity Groves the morning of May 7 for a 5K, 10K, and fun run benefiting the summer camp for pediatric cancer patients at Medical City Children’s Hospital and their siblings. The USA Track & Field (USATF) certified course is comparable to all the large-scale races Dallasites are accustomed to, and the first 500 runners to finish receive a custom medal to commemorate the event.
All YTRAC funds benefit campers this summer. “It costs about $1,000 per child to attend,” says Christina Marshall, Young Texans Against Cancer VP and YTRAC chair. “YTRAC is our chance to give kids a break from being a cancer patient for a week, so they can just be kids and have fun.”
Camp iHope’s mission is to support and enrich the lives of children with cancer and their siblings, and a full medical and nursing staff is onsite to monitor their health. That means even those who are undergoing chemotherapy or are at risk for infection can attend. Camp iHope relies on donations to provide these services and so much more to kids, ages 7 to 16, free of charge.
Texas Rep. Jason Villalba and Camp iHope regulars the Rangel siblings— Samantha, 13, and sisters Marissa and Elizabeth — serve as grand marshals to kick off the race at 8 am on Saturday. WFAA health reporter Sonia Azad has emcee duties at the event.
Adults 21 and up can get a frosty beer from Four Corners Brewing Company at the beer garden afterward, while crafts and interactive activities, including a photo booth, can be enjoyed by all members of the family in the kids’ zone.
In keeping with Camp iHope’s mission to provide kids with a fun and carefree experience, runners are encouraged to dress up in Dr. Seuss-inspired garb to celebrate this year’s camp theme: Oh The Places We Will Go. There is even a prize for the best dressed.
Young Texans Against Cancer (YTAC) is a group of young professionals who have been touched by cancer. The organization holds multiple fundraisers throughout the year in support of its beneficiaries. To find out more about YTRAC and other events, visit the website, or sign up for email newsletters.
Some of last year's racers at Young Texans RACE Against Cancer.
