Run aids pediatric cancer patients

While it has been said that “not all heroes wear capes,” the organizers of the eighth annual Cross Country Courage Classic encourage capes as a dress code.

The pediatric oncology nurses who are organizing Sunday’s fun run and silent auction want not only to celebrate current and former patients as superheroes among us, but also raise money for University of New Mexico Hospital pediatric oncology patients.

The event will be held on the Albuquerque Academy cross-country course. There will be a 5K run and walk and a 1K kids superhero fun run. Children can wear their favorite superhero costumes for their run.

On-site registration will be available beginning at 7 a.m.

Kelly Dunbar, whose own family dealt with a childhood cancer a decade ago, organized the run to help families cope with the life-disrupting process of cancer treatment.

“We have resources in this state, like the Children’s Cancer Fund of New Mexico, that provide assistance such as food, transportation, counseling and education,” Dunbar said. “What we do is try to do things that make treatment and a hospital stay more personal and comfortable.”

For example, children are provided a bag with comfort items, including stuffed animals and blankets. Funds have also supported the cost of meals or treats during holiday periods and end-of-chemotherapy celebrations. The group is also looking to provide tricycles equipped with IV poles to allow patients to be more active while in the hospital.

“Some of these kids are in and out of the hospital for several years,” she said, “we want to make that experience as comfortable and personal as possible.’

After the running and walking, there will be a silent auction for a wide range of items and services. In the past, auction items have included gift baskets, hotel and golf packages, photography sessions, gym memberships and a variety of new and handmade items.

Contact Kelly Dunbar at kadunbar2@comcast.net with questions or to donate cash or items for the auction.