JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Nearly 1,000 runners, walkers and wheelchair athletes took to the streets of San Marco on Saturday for the third annual Nemours Children’s Health Run and Walk.
Organizers said the event raises money and celebrates families touched by the pediatric health system.
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“Running — running a lot,” Kristin Parme said as she and her son, Liam, prepared for the race.
The family-friendly event included music, costumed characters and activities for children, and drew wide community support, including participants with Ainsley’s Angels, which pairs athletes with people with disabilities.
“It’s good to see them give back and help these kids raise money for them and everything,” Kristin Parme said. “It makes you feel good.”
Kim Hetrick ran with her son, Jake, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and has been treated at Nemours since childhood. Hetrick said doctors once questioned whether Jake would reach adulthood; he is now 29.
“We’re really thrilled to be able to give back and do what we love doing together — racing,” Hetrick said. “I don’t think they expected him to live to adulthood. Now I tell him he’s pushing 30,” she laughed.
Twelve-year-old Jeremy Setzer ran and donated proceeds from his business, 904 Bracelets, to Nemours.
“Every year, it’s fun. You get to support them. You get out on a Saturday,” Jeremy and his mother, Lauren Setzer said.
Many participants said they or their families have been patients at Nemours. Shenaja Eades said she was born with hemihypertrophy and visited Nemours as a child. Elexia Solomon said she was born with a rare immune disorder and now works at Nemours.
“Don’t give up, keep going, keep pushing through. Pray about it and just live your life and do what you can,” they said.
News4JAX reporter Caleb Yauger spoke with runners who said Nemours saved their lives.
All proceeds go to Nemours Children’s Health, which helps critically ill and injured children get the care they need.
Click here to donate.