Over 300 IE Supporters Take Part in 14th Annual Kids Walk

The most devastating news parents can get is confirmation that their child has cancer, a disease that kills more children than cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, AIDS, asthma and juvenile diabetes combined, according to the National Cancer Institute. Childhood Cancer Foundation of Southern California is a Loma Linda-based non-profit organization that puts families in touch with other families who have received similarly devastating news. The group not only helps parents network with other parents who are going through similar trauma, but it provides patients with helpful information, books and even financial assistance to help them cover their food and gasoline costs as they struggle to pay for the cost of cancer treatment. The Foundation also organizes social gatherings and special events to give families the emotional strength and support they need to get through the most physically and emotionally challenging period of their lives. The Foundation’s largest public event of the year took place in Loma Linda Sunday, Sept. 8th, when the Foundation held its 14th annual CCFSC Kids Walk. More than 300 Inland Empire supporters, community members, children and adults participated in the walk, which began at the Foundation’s office at 11155 Mountain View Avenue in Loma Linda and continued to Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital. Cancer walk participants marched with homemade banners, photos and other personal items in honor of their children who are battling cancer as well as children who have lost their lives. Many of them also sang songs and shouted cheers in support of their children. “It is a very moving and powerful event,” said Armida Kersey, the Foundation’s executive director, who noted that cancer has a ripple effect that engulfs entire families. Kersey, in fact, takes photographs of each family that has been affected by the disease so that they can always remember their participation in the event and draw emotional strength from it. Prizes were awarded after the walk to the youngest participant, whether they’re walking, being carried or in a stroller, and were also awarded to the families with the loudest cheers. Additionally, prizes were given to the families who raised the most donations for the event. Money raised at the Kids Walk is used to provide information and support to Inland Empire families with children who have been diagnosed with cancer. Resources provided to families included a children’s book called “Chemo Crazy,” which explains the kinds of treatments children will be experiencing as they undergo chemotherapy and other cancer treatments. “It’s a great resource because it explains everything families should be prepared for,” Kersey said. Money raised at the Kids Walk is also used to pay for birthday and holiday gifts for children with cancer as well as gasoline vouchers and money for groceries. “Everything we raise goes back to the families,” Kersey said. Beyond this, Kersey hoped the Kids Walk will also help raise community awareness about cancer and encourage families in the Inland Empire and throughout Southern California to place an emphasis on early detection, which is key to saving the lives of young people battling this disease. Sponsors of the Kids Walk include the Family and Friends of Rodolfo Escobar, Family and Friends of Julieta Ruiz & Violeta Gonzalez, Family and Friends of Aaron Michael Sandoval, Beaver Medical Group, “Our Little Angel” Andrew Barboza, Family and Friends of Junior and Jessica, and the Loma Linda University Cancer Center.