Local second grader Asher Fairey and a group of his classmates came up with the idea to hold a race to raise money for Curing Kids Cancer, a non-profit organization focused on funding childhood cancer research.
That idea came to reality on the morning of Dec. 11 with the help of his friends, family and local sponsors.
The race took the form of “Little Hearts for Cures Holiday Fun Run,” a 1k held at Gateway Park in Grovetown. Sponsors from around the area such as Jordan Family Dentistry threw their support behind the second graders’ idea. Not long after announcing their support of the fun run, the daughter of an assistant working for Jordan Family Dentistry, a 14-year-old named Ella, was diagnosed with T cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (T-ALL).
Upon receiving the news, it was decided that proceeds made during the fun run were to be specifically used to fund T-ALL research in Ella’s name. The inaugural Little Hearts for Cures Holiday Fun Run raised $4,000.
Mother & son
Mother and son Ehrin and Asher Fairey. Ms. Fairey was a huge help in realizing the idea Asher and his friends had.
Ella’s Elves
“Elves” walking the 1k in support of Ella, made up of people from Jordan Family Dentistry, Asher Fairey’s family and others who helped realize this event.
Stretches
Participants of the fun run were led through stretches before lining up at the starting line.
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Fun Run
Runners taking off as the race starts.
Finish Line
A runner crossing the finish line and going through a banner made by the second grade class.
St. Julian Cox, III is a photojournalist for The Augusta Press. Reach him at saintjulianc@gmail.com
