VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The Virginia Beach community came out to the Oceanfront Labor Day Weekend for a brand new race supporting pediatric cancer awareness month.
The Chartway Virginia Beach 10 Miler happened September 2 and 3, in conjunction with the Live the Life Concert Series from Beach Events.
Event organizers said runners could run a 5K on Saturday, a 10 Miler on Sunday, or the option to do both races with the "Live the Life Challenge."
Chartway Credit Union and the Chartway Promise Foundation is recognizing pediatric cancer awareness month by partnering with local nonprofits and companies throughout the month to support four local children's wishes.
"That's why each year in September, our foundation supports pediatric cancer awareness month and raises funds to bring joy, hope, and smiles to medically fragile children and their families. Through grants to charitable partners in local communities, we make dreams and wishes come true for pediatric cancer patients when they need it most," Brian Schools, the president and CEO of Chartway, said in a news release.
On Saturday, 4-year-old Max, who suffered from Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, was surprised at the post-race party: he and his family were gifted a daylong fishing trip on a chartered boat courtesy of the foundation, according to the release.
Max's wish was made possible with help from Hooked on Hope VB, who supports pediatric cancer families with fishing outings at no cost to them.
12-year-old Kylie, who suffers from cancer, was granted a wish on Sunday. She will take a trip to Hawaii to crack a “wild” coconut and eat sushi and Dole Whip. It was revealed on stage at the post-race party in partnership with Make A Wish Greater Virginia, the foundation said.
"We are incredibly thankful for our continued partnership with the Chartway Promise Foundation," said Sheri Lambert, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia, in the release. "Together, we’ve made wishes come to life for so many local Virginia children, and we look forward to creating memorable wish experiences, like Kylie’s, together for years to come.”
