‘Leah’s Dragonfly Dash’ honors 6-year-old

ANSONIA » The community is invited to come together Friday to keep alive the spirit of Leah Rondon, the 6-year-old Mead School student whose life was cut short by a tragic accident in 2015.

The 2nd annual “Leah’s Dragonfly Dash” will be held rain or shine at 6 p.m. Friday at Mead School, 75 Ford St. While online registration for the 5K run and two-mile walk has closed, those who’d like to participate can register the day of the event, beginning at 4:45 p.m. at the school. The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for students, with proceeds benefitting Ansonia kids.

Melissa Cook, a family friend and third-grade teacher at Mead School, was inspired to organize the inaugural event last year and again this year, to keep Leah’s memory alive while raising funds for fellow students.

“It’s about keeping Leah’s memory alive and for people to think of her and smile, while getting the community to come together,” said Cook.

Leah, who was about to enter first grade at Mead School, died in August 2015 following a car accident in the area of Ford Street near Hughes Circle. She was visiting a friend’s house, and the small plastic wagon she was riding in rolled into the road, and was struck by an oncoming car.

Neighbors rushed to Leah’s side to help, but she was later pronounced dead at Griffin Hospital.

Cook and Leah’s mom, Colleen Rondon, came up with the name “Dragonfly Dash” based on a beautiful story that was told at Leah’s funeral. Cook said the story about dragonflies was so touching and heartfelt, and spoke of an “appropriate and kid-friendly” way of what Heaven is like, that it seemed like a fitting name for the event.

Rondon said she’s forever grateful to Cook for organizing the annual event.

“Missy has been amazing with helping to keep Leah’s spirit alive in the Valley,” said Rondon. “We’re looking forward to a great time on Friday.”

Rondon said about $25,000 has since been raised in Leah’s name, between the Dragonfly Dash and the “Leah’s Birthday Bash” celebration held at Kolbe Catherdral High School where Leah’s father, Henry, is an administrator. Last year’s Dragonfly Dash alone raised about $4,600, according to Rondon, which goes into “Leah’s Fund” at the Valley Foundation to support Ansonia kids.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO WITH PERMISSION FROM RONDON FAMILY Leah’s Dragonfly Dash’ is held in honor of 6-year-old Leah Rondon, who died in a 2015 accident.