5K for 5 Kids - Chloe

I hate running. I mean, I really hate running. But I hate childhood cancer even more. And so, 5 weeks from today, I will join Team Break the Grey at the starting line of the Color Run in downtown Louisville and take off running/jogging/walking/crawling for 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) to show our solidarity with and for our families, and in honor of 5 courageous kids and their beautiful families.

My training thus far has been inconsistent, and when I do get out and run I'm pretty sure I look like a beached whale. To give myself and others who might be struggling with their training a little more motivation, I have asked the permission of 5 families to share their stories of childhood cancer. Thus, for the 5 weeks leading up to the race on Sunday, July 29, I will be sharing with you the stories of these brave kids and families (and yes, I have their full permission to share stories and pictures).

The Color Run to which we are counting down is in Louisville, KY, which is where all 5 of these kiddos were treated for cancer. We're running a local race for local kids. Sadly, these are only 5 kids in one city, and this does not do justice to national statistics: 

• 1 in 330 kids will develop cancer by the age of 19 in the US
• 46 kids - about 2 classrooms full - are diagnosed with cancer every single day
• There are 30,000 - 40,000 kids in treatment for cancer right now in the US
• 20% of kids diagnosed with cancer will lose their battle
• There are approximately 300 kids in treatment for cancer in Louisville, KY right now
• There are over 1,000 kids in Louisville who are affected by childhood cancer in Louisville, KY - including those who are either currently receiving therapy or who have already completed treatment

So for those of you running The Color Run for Break the Grey in other cities, know that the above statistics are reflected in your city. It would be easy to pick 5 kids facing childhood cancer to honor for your respective races. Let the stories of these 5 kids be your motivation; may they symbolize the fight for all kids all over the US.

And so, without further ado, let me introduce Amazing Chloe.

Chloe was just 4-years-old when she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia on January 25, 2005.

Chloe and her Mom

 Her treatment began on January 28, and consisted for five rounds of intense chemotherapy. She did well with her therapy, and completed the five rounds of chemo.

 

Following chemo, Chloe remained in remission until the devastating news of her relapse on April 7, 2006. She underwent one round of chemotherapy to put her back into remission, and then endured a cord blood transplant on June 16, 2006.

Chloe with her Dad and her older sister, Haley

Chloe was once again in remission! Still, her cancer returned a third time in December 2007. This time, she underwent a bone marrow transplant in January 2008 in attempts to put her leukemia in remission once and for all.

 

Unfortunately, Chloe struggled with many complications from her transplant. She fought a long, hard, and valiant battle, which ultimately ended in the arms of Jesus. After fighting cancer for 39 months, Chloe passed away on June 12, 2008, at the age of 7.

 

This is why I hate childhood cancer. Because of Chloe and kids like her. Would you join Team Break the Grey and run in honor of Chloe? There are still spots open for the Louisville race in 5 weeks! Go here to register.

As you train this week, remember Chloe. Pray for her family. Pray for a cure. Keep running, and never lose hope.

Hoping, Believing, and Never Giving up,

Sarah