Fundraiser inspired by 6-year-old who wanted to help others
HOULTON, Maine — For the past four years, runners and walkers of all abilities have been coming to Houlton to participate in a one-mile fun run to raise money to fight childhood cancer.
In the last two years alone, more than 400 people have participated and raised more than $10,000 for the cause.
The LP Miracle Mile returns Saturday, July 2, 2016, in what has become a regular addition to the town’s annual Midnight Madness celebration. The event was created to bring awareness and raise funding for childhood cancer and diamond blackfan anemia.
The race starts at the top of Drakes Hill and ends in downtown Market Square, a calculated one-mile run/walk. Event registration and check in starts at 4 p.m. The race begins promptly at 6 p.m. and ends just before the entrance to Market Square.
“For four years now we have worked hard to make the LP Miracle Mile one of the premier running events of northern Maine,” said Chris Rines, race director. “It is our hope that the event will help grow the running way of life in Houlton, raise funds and awareness for two great organizations, and honor two fantastic young ladies while doing so.”
The race was created in memory of Makenna Ward, a Houlton youth who lost her battle to cancer at the age of 6.
“My wife and I lost our daughter Makenna to neuroblastoma, a rare but common childhood cancer,” said Kirk Ward of Houlton. “We dedicate and advocate with incredible desire. The same desire our daughter shared while fighting cancer for nearly four and one-half of her six years with us. The same desire can be seen and duplicated by the parents of Maggie Rudnicki, a dear friend of Makenna, who to this day continues in her fight against DBA.
“Before Makenna’s passing, her desire, at 6 years of age, was to find some way to help others,” he said. “So through this event we look to keep her memory and wishes alive, by giving back.”
Last year, about 220 people participated in the race. With each registration and/or donation, the event is able to raise funds for Cure Search, a non-profit organization, which in turn helps fund childhood cancer research; and Diamond Blackfan Anemia Foundation, who as well a non-profit organization, receives and then gives toward finding a cure.
After the race awards are held at the Houlton Elks Club, refreshments are provided. A shuttle van provided by Military Street Baptist Church will help bring runners and family members back to their vehicles after the awards.
“LP is proud to be the lead sponsor for this community event for the second year,” said Ryan Bushey, spokesperson for Louisiana Pacific. “This is a great opportunity for families to come out and take part in a healthy and fun event. We are excited about continuing to work with the organizers of this event and the Ward family to assist in raising money for Curesearch and DBA Foundation to find a cure for pediatric cancer and diamond blackfan anemia.
“This is an event that everyone can rally around and support,” Bushey added. “We have all been touched by the strength and courage of Makenna and Maggie and want to continue to fundraise and raise awareness for these two very impactful conditions. Far too many families have been touched with cancer with someone in their family and we all want to find a cure and events like this in our community provide a venue to do so.”
For more information, or to register, visit www.runamiraclemile.com or check out their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MiracleMileRace4Research/
