Non-profit plans 5K, color run

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Funds to benefit families braving childhood cancer

PENDLETON — They’re trying to turn a negative into a positive by helping as many families as they can get through the worst nightmare any parent can imagine — having a child diagnosed with cancer.

Kristi Eytchison and Jennifer Roberts of Pendleton both have sons who were diagnosed with childhood cancer. Both boys are now in remission living normal lives, but Eytchison and Roberts won’t soon forget what their families have been through.

While dealing with life-threatening and life-changing ordeals, Eytchison and Roberts bonded and became friends. Along their journey they decided to do more than support each other — they’re determined to be there for other families in situations similar to the ones they went through.

The two are the founders and board members of INCourage, a non-profit organization designed to provide financial support and build awareness for families in the community affected by childhood cancer.

They’re planning an INCourage 5K and Kids Color Run set for 9 a.m. Saturday, July 14, at Falls Park to raise funds for the cause.

Roberts’ son, Judd Roberts, 5, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia a month before his third birthday in 2015. Following a bone marrow transplant, he’s expected to make a full recovery and is headed to kindergarten next year.

Eytchison’s son, Van Green, 9, was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a form of brain cancer, at age 4. After 14 months of treatments, including a 13½-hour craniotomy, Van has been in remission for four years and is thriving as a third-grader at Pendleton Elementary School.

Knowing how confusing, draining and heartbreaking a cancer diagnosis for a child can be, both woman want to do what they can to help other families going through similar ordeals.

The two mothers want to make a difference through encouragement and financial support with gestures such as gas and food cards, Roberts said.

The run is designed to support all children and families battling childhood cancer.

The 5K run course will start in Falls Park and proceed through trails along Falls Creek.

There also will be a children’s color run for ages 12 and younger.

Following both races, people will be encouraged to stay and enjoy a day of family activities with a DJ and games.

The long-term goal of INCourage is to donate to childhood cancer research, but in the short term the organization will focus on supporting local families during their children’s fight against cancer.

The hope is to not only bring the community together to support these families but also to make the run an annual event families can look forward to each year, they said.

Cost for the event ranges from $10 for the children’s color run to $30 for the 5k.

For more details about INCourage and to sign up for the run, visit www.incouragekids.com.

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