Hurtis family forms team to race against childhood cancer

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Nearly 80 teams comprised of pediatric cancer survivors, their families, recreational walkers and competitive runners will join the race against childhood cancer at "Time to Fly 2012" on Saturday, June 30.

All proceeds from the event benefit Children’s Cancer Research Fund. In total, more than $1 million has been raised from this event on the eve of its 10th year. Walk-up registration is encouraged.

Teams will be wearing special t-shirts, buttons or hold signs to honor those affected by cancer.

One such team is the Fighting Tigers honoring 11-year old New Richmond resident Croix Hurtis, who was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Leukemia on Christmas night of 2011.

Since then, Croix has undergone three maintenance rounds of chemotherapy. Currently, he is doing all he can to prepare himself for "Time to Fly." Naming their team in honor of Croix’s school mascot, his family states that “Tigers fight cancer.” For more information on Croix and his journey, visit http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/croixhurtis

Not to be missed is the special 10th anniversary ceremony where balloons will be released in honor of the children who have battled cancer. 300 red balloons will be released, representing the 300,000 childhood cancer survivors alive today in the U.S. and 46 white balloons will be released, representing the 46 children who are diagnosed with cancer each school day. It will take place just before the start of the Kids’ Fun Run at 10:40 a.m.

Time to Fly offers a variety of events that appeal to every member of the family, including a 10K run, 5K run, 5K Walk to Cure Children’s Cancer and a Kids’ Fun Run. Families, doctors and nurses will be sharing their stories throughout the morning. In addition, Time to Fly will feature live entertainment from Radio Disney, activities, games, food and refreshments.

Schedule of Events

7:30 a.m. 10K Run

8:30 a.m. 5K Run

9:30 a.m. 5K Walk to Cure Children’s Cancer

10:40 a.m. Ceremonial balloon release

10:45 a.m. Kids’ Fun Run

11:30 a.m. Team and Fundraising Awards

For more event information, visit www.childrenscancer.org/timetofly.

Children’s Cancer Research Fund has one focused and clearly defined goal: cure childhood cancer. The funds the organization provides enable the University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, a leading pediatric cancer research facility, to continue its pioneering efforts in the prevention, diagnoses, treatment and cure of childhood cancers. Many discoveries funded by Children’s Cancer Research Fund have revolutionized the way childhood cancer is treated worldwide. For more information about Children’s Cancer Research Fund, visit www.childrenscancer.org.

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