I did it!!! I ran the Sam Day Buddy Run in honor of Brady! I had such a great time and am so stinkin’ proud of the SDF community who showed up to volunteer and make the course so energizing! I loved seeing every volunteer, running through the woods, and crossing the finish line to all of those cheers. Bubbles, dinosaurs, unicorns, all the chalk messages, and my friend @marcymmoore joined me for a few miles too! I even had an encounter with a deer! Thanks to everyone who donated. I raised $6,175 and the event as a whole raised $49,104 for childhood cancer research! Don’t stop believin’ friends. Also, I ran the Hippie Chick half marathon the week before so I’m taking a little rest and feeling accomplished. @samdayfoundation #SDbuddyrun #samdayfoundation #livewell #griefjourney #childhoodcancer #iamsam @ohsudoernbecher Thanks to @zahnecal_photo for capturing the love @kt_surdo @wswintjr
Good morning! Today is the Buddy Run and it’s a special one for me (Lorna) because the is year, I am a runner too! Wish me luck! I’m running for Brady. He is a high school student who has been dealing with a stubborn brain tumor. I’ve gotten to know his parents a bit and this is such a beautiful family. They found me because they want to help advance research too. With everything Brady is going through, they are compelled to help make a difference. Brady is amazing. He’s kind and compassionate, funny, artistic, and a wonderful brother. He loves outdoor sports like snowboarding, mountain biking, surfing and swimming. He should be thriving. Cancer has taken a toll. Brady has been dealing with a high grade glioma since last July. He’s still dealing with seizures and treatment related nausea and fatigue. I wish all of you could know these families and kids like Brady. Cancer in children is especially brutal, but over and over again, I see their hearts grow bigger and they find a fierceness they didn’t know they had. One Day I hope this work we do makes it better for kids like Brady. #gograyinmay #childhoodcancer #glioma #SDbuddyrun #childhoodcancerresearch #samdayfoundation #onedaysamday
Genesis is full of spirit! She is smart and independent and brave and strong. She’s been living with treatment for a brain tumor for over a year now. It’s been rough. So many pokes and surgeries, and medications that make her feel awful. She has been strong and she’s just ten years old. Hilary is running for Genesis. She got hooked on this event last year and is an enthusiastic runner with us. Fast too! Hilary is a champion for childhood cancer now and we love having her on the team. #samdayfoundation #SDbuddyrun
Charlie is often called “Sweet Charlie.” All of the people in his life remember him as the sweetest little red haired boy with a soft smile and loving heart. Charlie had a brain tumor. Ultimately it took his life at age six. He was still with us when we started the Buddy Run and photos of him are throughout the SDF media. A different family member has run in his memory ever since. This year his aunt Senna is proudly running to help us change childhood cancer. The Buddy Run is tomorrow! Check out Charlie’s page and all of the other runner/buddy teams on the link in our linktree. @kes757814 #SDbuddyrun #gogreyinmay #braintumorawareness #samdayfoundation #onedaysamday
Keegan was still with us when the first Buddy Run happened in 2020. He loved well and was loved deeply by a lot of people. He had a smile that made other people smile too. Keegan had Ewing sarcoma and it was extremely aggressive. His family has supported SDF for a few years now because they know how much treatment for Ewing needs to improve. It’s long overdue. Keegan’s dad is running in his memory once again. Zach rally’s for this run every year and his friends and family pitch in to exceed the fundraising goal. We promise to be smart with every penny. #ewingsarcoma #ewingssarcomaawareness #sarcomaresearch #childhoodcancer #SDbuddyrun #samdayfoundation #cancersucks🎗
His parents say he was an old soul. Elijah enjoyed technology and rock polishing and getting a good night’s sleep. His quick wit and dry sense of humor kept people engaged. He had a sweet smile that conveyed a thousand unspoken words. Elijah was first diagnosed with medulloblastoma when he was 12. Chemo and radiation left him with a significant eating disorder and complicated motor impairments. After 4.5 years, he was then diagnosed with a radiation induced brain tumor. It was aggressive and there were not treatment options. Elijah died just before he turned 17. Dave is running in Elijah’s memory. Dave is a triathlete who loves a good cause and has become an ongoing supporter of SDF. Elijah’s story is a tough one, and Dave is compelled to help us find more effective and less harmful treatments for medulloblastoma. #medulloblastoma #gogreyinmay #childhoodbraintumor #braintumorawareness #samdayfoundation #childhoodcancer #AYAcancer #SDbuddyrun
Jacob is so sweet and thoughtful! He loves sports, legos and video games, and he loves to make people laugh. Jacob was diagnosed with Ependymoma in May 2023. He’s had major brain surgery followed by radiation. The whole thing caused him to give up football, which was a big disappointment. Today Jacob is doing well and he will continue to have MRI’s every three months. William is proudly running for Jacob. William started running the Buddy Run when his own son was battling Ewing sarcoma. Today Mason is doing great and he is always at the finish line to cheer on his dad! William has been all in ever since, and he is a fantastic fundraiser for SDF. He knows very well how much improvement is needed for these kids. Check out William and Jacob’s page. #ependymoma #gograyinmay #braintumorawareness #childhoodcancer #braintumor #SDbuddyrun #samdayfoundation @wswintjr
Brynlee has been fighting brain cancer since October 2020. She’s had all of the treatments and it’s been rough. Somehow she keeps a sense of humor and big heart. She remains positive even on her worst days. Brynlee’s family thinks people should know the effects of cancer are long lasting and kids can struggle long after their initial diagnosis. Nora is running for Brynlee. She is a high school student with such a big heart and an impressive running profile. She sets an example for how young people can make a difference for kids with cancer. Nora is having a garage sale to benefit her fundraising efforts THIS Saturday May 11th. 8:00 at 1770 NW 138th Ave. #SDbuddyrun #childhoodcancer #childhoodcancerresearch #gograyinmay #braintumor #PNET #onedaysamday #samdayfoundation
Evelyn has finished her treatment for alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma! She has always been the sweetest and silliest girl, and through cancer she showed everyone how strong she is too. She managed to convince her family to adopt 2 dogs, 6 chickens, a bunny, and a kitten. Now they have what they call their funny farm! Evelyn’s mom to inks people should know how much kids have to endure through treatment - far more than adults do generally. Yet they are forgotten when it comes time for improvements. Jordan is running in honor of Evelyn. She is an avid runner and hopes her kids will learn the importance of doing what you can to help others. #rhabdomyosarcoma #childhoodsarcoma #sarcomaresearch #childhoodcancer #SDbuddyrun #samdayfoundation #onedaysamday
Jaxon is a resilient 3 year old who loves Lightning McQueen. He’s been fighting medulloblastoma and has now had brain surgery and several rounds of chemotherapy. He’s pushed through all of the hard work to get back on his feet so he can play like a regular kid again. Seth discovered the buddy run because the finish line is right by his house!! Instead of complaining about the music and cheers, he asked if he could join the fun and have an impact. Seth has connected us to the global running brand @on which now has a beautiful new store on NW 23rd in Portland. They have donated some goodies for all of our kids and runners! Seth and the whole ON team are crazy about getting people access to movement. We hope more kids like Jaxon can find a way to recover after chemo and major brain surgery, to get their bodies moving again. Survive and LIVE WELL! #SDbuddyrun #samdayfoundation #medulloblastoma #childhoodcancer #childhoodcancerresearch #onedaysamday #gogreyinmay @pnw_trailblazers @ohsudoernbecher
Miles was a buddy in our Buddy Run in 2022 when he was fighting medulloblastoma. He drew people in with his spirit and heart, including his runner, William. Medulloblastoma is one of those cancers we want to put resources in because it has taken too many kids like Miles. His mom, Joy, will be running with all of her heart in Miles' memory. Joy is compelled to support advancements in treatment and care for kids like Miles. The Isbell family has raised significant resources in support of the new and beautiful childhood cancer unit at Asante Health Center in Medford Oregon. Today they are joining SDF in the pursuit of more research that will lead to better futures for kids like Miles. Joy has already raised over $5,000! Miles should be 13 this month, and he should be here cheering her on. Read more of their story in the Buddy Run event page, which you'll find in our linktree in the bio. Tomorrow is the first day of Brain Tumor Awareness Month and we're stepping into the effort with Miles on our mind and heart. @asantehealth @weeklyj @wswintjr #medulloblastoma #braintumorresearch #SDbuddyrun #childhoodcancer #samdayfoundation #gogreyinmay
Engaging in something powerful with your body and heart has a way of inspiring others. The Sam Day Buddy Run started as a crazy idea in 2020 when other events had to be cancelled. It's been so meaningful that we've kept it going. Runner pages have launched and you can find the link in our bio. In the next few weeks we'll feature these kids - the ones who need our attention. They are incredible. #SDbuddyrun #onedaysamday #childhoodsarcoma #childhoodbraintumor #childhoodcancer #childhoodcancerawareness #childhoodcancerresearch
#Repost @.samdayfoundation with @get_repost If you like it...please Follow me to see more On May 13th, the Sam Day Buddy Run raised over $71,000 for childhood and young adult cancer research. A lot of sweat and sore muscles were involved. But the most meaningful part of this event is the connection we make with kids in the fight. They need to know we are aware of what they're going through and we don't think it's ok, so we're doing something about it. #childhoodcancer #AYAcancer #SDbuddyrun #sarcoma #braintumor @zahnecal_photo (Zsja229-get_repost)
On May 13th, the Sam Day Buddy Run raised over $71,000 for childhood and young adult cancer research. A lot of sweat and sore muscles were involved. But the most meaningful part of this event is the connection we make with kids in the fight. They need to know we are aware of what they're going through and we don't think it's ok, so we're doing something about it. #childhoodcancer #AYAcancer #SDbuddyrun #sarcoma #braintumor @zahnecal_photo
They surprised me! Natalie showed up on Friday and I had no idea! I really made it hard for them to keep a secret. Then we had the most fun together at the #SDbuddyrun! All of the energy and vibes got me through another Mother’s Day while still keeping Sam close. We finished off with a trip to Edmonds to be with my mom. Feeling satisfied. Thank you @zahnecal_photo for always capturing the best moments. @nataliedaydavis @daybob37
And finally, Sevai. We've known Sevai for three years now, while she endured the effects of ongoing treatment for osteosarcoma. She kept herself moving through life with a special interest in skateboarding, gaming, and making tik toks. We lost Sevai in March of this year and miss her very much. Sevai's family thinks people should know that childhood cancer should have a lot more awareness, funds, and research than it does now. Kids should have better treatments so it's not so hard for them to get through it, and they should be able to survive. Sevai's runner is Katie, who has run for Sevai twice before. She is honored to run in Sevai's memory and has been impacted by the efforts and mission of the Sam Day Foundation. There is still time to donate. The Buddy run is today at 8:30am. We will show up here on Instagram Live at 8:20, just before the runners take off. Join us. #sevaistrong #osteosarcoma #SDbuddyrun
Keegan had an infectious smile and laugh, a zeal for life, and a kindness that had no limits. He was so well loved. Keegan died from Ewing sarcoma in 2021 and the people he loved want his life to make the biggest impact possible. Zach, Keegan's dad, will be running in his memory for the third time. Brandon is a friend of Keegan's family, and is also running in his memory. Honor Keegan's life, his fight, and his spirit by donating to either one of these runners. Keegan made the world a better place. The Buddy Run link is in our bio. #ewingsarcoma #sarcomaresearch #onedaysamday #samdayfoundation #SDbuddyrun
Caden is so sweet! He was diagnosed with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma in 2022 just before turning 7. He enjoys playing video games with his big brothers and sisters. He likes the beach and big cats! When Caden is feeling better, he plays baseball and rides his bike or hover board. When he grows up he wants to be a zoo keeper! Caden's family says kids who have cancer miss out on the regular moments of childhood. They learn what the inside of an infusion room looks like, how to count the days because they are worried about chemo coming up. Or when the might feel better again. Even going through all of this, they are still so Brave. They follow along with the plan because we have hope that this will cure them of cancer. That is just the beginning. Caden's runner is Dave. This is Dave's first Sam Day Buddy Run and he is excited to be involved in something that will make a difference for kids with cancer. #rhabdomyosarcoma #childhoodcancerresearch #sarcomaresearch #SDbuddyrun #onedaysamday
Koraliece was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma in 2022, she has figured out how to deal with the ever-changing schedule and scenery. It can be exceedingly difficult to stay attentive to her old life with friends, school, and sports. But Koraliece seems to get right back up every week and go to school, smile with her friends, and really try to be as involved as possible, even when she is feeling yucky. She has a contagious smile and laughs with her whole body. The sine never dulls even on the worst days. Koraliece's family says childhood cancer really sucks. It's heartbreaking to watch them suffer and miss out on so much of life. It takes so much time away from everyone it touches. There needs to be more attention put towards finding better treatment, so these little humans don't need to suffer. Word needs to spread that there is so much work to be done and it's getting bypassed. Craig is running for Koraliece. While Craig has been an SDF supporter for several years, the mission hit close to home this year because Koraliece's mom is an employee of Craig's company, Cook Solutions Group. #ewingsarcoma #sarcomaresearch #childhoodsarcoma #onedaysamday #SDbuddyrun #samdayfoundation
Tonya likes to draw, color, play video games, and play with her dog. While she loves spending days at the beach exploring and being with her dog, she has not been able to walk on the beach since her diagnosis. Tonya has Mesenchymal Chondrosarcoma, and she is kicking it out of her body. Her family suggests to other families going through this, "It's not an easy road. Try to keep a positive attitude, then you could start to feel better. Do the things that make you happy." Tonya's runner is Jenni. SDF's mission is especially important to Jenni because she lost her loving, goofy, joyful son, Danny, to Ewing sarcoma in 2011. After losing Danny, she made a promise to help in the efforts to find a cure. #chondrosarcoma #sarcomaresearch #braintumorresearch #childhoodcancerresearch #ayacancer #SDbuddyrun #onedaysamday #samdayfoundation
Sabina loves acting and singing, speaking at events that raise money to help the causes she cares about (like the Sam Day Soiree), hanging out with her friends and playing with her puppy! She was diagnosed with bone cancer in 2021 and got a resection surgery to remove the tumor in her leg and replace it with a titanium internal prosthesis. She finished chemo in May of 2022 and has been up and walking around for over a year now! Sabina's family thinks people should know that childhood cancer is a reality. It affects everyone inside the patient's community so it's very important to make sure that the patient gets the absolute best care possible because not only is it a necessity but it also eases the minds of their loved ones. Sabina's runner is Todd Blacksher. Todd is with Atkinson Insurance, a long time sponsor, advocate and supporter of SDF! Todd is always looking for ways to make a difference. @sabby.mac17 @atkinsoninsurance #osteosarcomaresearch #osteosarcoma #sarcomaawareness #childhoodcancer #SDbuddyrun #onedaysamday #samdayfoundation
Beck is 13 years old and he loves soccer! After a tumor was found in his shoulder, he was unable to carry on with basketball. He and his friends discovered they loved playing soccer, so he spends most of his days after school doing that. Beck was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. He is a big online gamer and he loves LIFE CEREAL! He family wants people to know that early detection can be difficult because doctors brush a lot of pain off as growing pains. If a parent thinks something is wrong, they should go with their gut and push for testing and support. Everyone will say that kids are resilient, and they are. But parents need support too. Beck's runner is SDF Board member, Drew Pinson! Drew wants to see kids replace those doctor visits with healthy, joy-filled living. This is Drew's second Buddy Run. #osteosarcoma #osteosarcomaresearch #childhoodcancerresearch #sarcomaresearch #sarcomaawareness #onedaysamday #samdayfoundation #SDBuddyrun
Charlie had bright red hair and an even brighter personality. He was diagnosed at two, with a pediatric brain and spinal cord cancer called diffuse leptomeningeal glioneuronal tumor. For three and a half years his family did everything they could to treat and stop it from growing. But there were no good treatments available for cancer's like Charlie's. He endured five treatment protocols, which all failed. He suffered seizures and physical and cognitive disabilities from the tumor and from the treatments, and he died in 2020 at age six. Charlie's mom, Katie, is running in his memory, and she would do anything to help a family with a child facing a similar diagnosis. Katie is running to bring hope to families and kids with brain cancers and sarcomas. #braintumorawareness #pediatricbraintumorresearch #SDBuddyrun #onedaysamday
Max is a ten year old kid who loves animals and is especially fond of pandas, penguins and cats! He can play Lego's for hours, and he also loves gardening and art. He is confident, talkative, so thoughtful and giving, supportive, curious, and truly and Old Soul. Max was diagnosed with a brain tumor called Anaplastic Apendymoma when he was five years old and he continues to endure treatment for it off and on. He's been through a lot, but he and his family recently managed a trip to Japan! Max's runner is Hillary. This is her first time running in the Buddy Run and she is so excited to be able to contribute to the cause. #braintumorawareness #samdayfoundation #onedaysamday #SDbuddyrun
Michael was diagnosed with a non-germatonomous germ cell tumor, a brain tumor. He is the youngest son and has always been sweet and wonderful. He would befriend anyone and had a very outgoing personality. He's witty and so much fun to be around! He's an avid book reader and loves fantasy books the most. He's also a fitness guy who loves to be outdoors. When Michael was diagnosed with cancer, his family's world just stopped. They had no idea what was happening with him and just happened to stumble on his cancer. Then, everything changed. His personality, their daily routines, their future plans. But, they have an amazing medical team and support system. New routines are foraged and the future is more focused. They days are extremely difficult but there are blessings that are also able to arise. Michael's runner is Raymond, and Raymond has participated in every Sam Day Buddy Run so far. He lost his own sister to cancer, and hopes to see better options for kids soon. #childhoodbraincancer #braintumorresearch #SDbuddyrun #samdayfoundation #onedaysamday
Mariana is 12 years old. She is one smart, kind kiddo who will make you laugh and smile. She is polite and so caring toward others. She's got a huge heart. On November 10, 2022, Mariana and her family were broken with the news that she had cancer. It was one of the worst days ever. She asked "why me?" Now, there are times that her family can't see her beautiful smile and it's incredibly painful to watch her go through this. Mariana's family says childhood cancer is the worst thing in the world and hopefully one day they can find better treatments for young cancer patients. Mariana's runner is a spunky young cancer survivor who cares deeply about this cause and seeing kids like Mariana find their smile again, along with a healthy, strong body. @kaylamarietellez #childhoodcancer #childhoodcancerresearch #sarcoma #sarcomaresearch #SDbuddyrun #Samdayfoundation
Shawnee is such a happy girl! She loves animals, golf, writing, drawing, and she really loves her family. Shawnee was diagnosed with a Germinoma brain tumor last year and has gone through 4 cycles of chemo and 24 radiation visits. When it comes to childhood cancer, her family says, “Follow your gut. She could tell something was wrong in her head months before the Dr knew. She kept calling it a switch that wouldn’t turn off. And that is what was making her not be able to eat and function correctly. Trust your kids. And if you go to a Dr and it doesn’t feel right, seek other help. @childrensrandallc has been a God sent gift to us.” @nora.a.olson is running for Shawnee and this is her first Sam Day Buddy Run. We love seeing young people who care about making a difference for kids like Shawnee! #SDbuddyrun #childhoodbraintumorresearch #onedaysamday #childhoodcancer #samdayfoundation
Meet Junell! She was diagnosed with Stage lV Spindle Cell Sarcoma in June 2022 at 14 years old.Junell loves thrift shopping, has an eclectic style, adores musicals and most theater productions, hanging out with friends, and avoiding her younger sister as well as cleaning her room. When Junell’s mom asked her what people should know about childhood cancer, Junell only said “It is really bad.” Her mom agrees and added, “It steals the health, time, and lives of our children.” Junell’s runner is Lori Tewksbury, who is very excited to be running in Junell’s honor. #sdbuddyrun #spindlecellsarcoma #childhoodsarcoma #childhoodcancer #childhoodcancerresearch #inedaysamday #samdayfoundation
The Sam Day Buddy Run is scheduled for Saturday, May 13th and there are a couple of spots left for runners! If you are a strong distance runner, you love what we do, and you’re willing to raise at least $2,000, this could be the most meaningful thing you do in 2023. We will pair you with a kid fighting cancer, and we’ll create your fundraising page for you. All you have to do is share it. The run is 12 miles and begins right outside the back door of Doernbecher, where kids are getting treatment for cancer. You’ll end up at a park and playground because that’s where kids should be. This is a very small group of 20-25 runners, including SDF board member Drew Pinson (top photo). Interested? Email [email protected]. Do you know a kid being treated for sarcoma or brain cancer in the Pacific Northwest who could use some encouragement? Let us know. They could become one of our Buddies. #SDbuddyrun #sarcomaresearch #braintumorresearch #childhoodcancer
Childhood Cancer Awareness month is over. Well done! Of course, becoming “aware” is just the first step toward making it better. Together we raised $133,000 in September, and that’s what enables us to impact change. Thanks to everyone who participated in any way! Sam would be so proud to see more people “going gold” for kids like him. 🎗💛 #childhoodcancerawareness #sdbuddyrun #37forcancer #iamsam #hopejunkie
My personal social media seems to be last on the list of things to maintain. Even though this is 4 days late, I have to show you just a glimpse into my Sam Day Buddy Run event. 20 runners raised $81,000 for childhood cancer research. There was an abundance of special moments like runners meeting their kids with cancer, parents running in their child’s memory, volunteers experiencing that “ah ha”moment that changed their heart, and young survivors showing up because they want to encourage kids in it now. What comes after the event?? I get to connect that spirit and substantial fundraising revenue to researchers who are itching to find a cure. I used to think fundraising would be so uncomfortable. But when compassionate people get it, fundraising is all about making a difference with a lot of really cool people who care. I love these people! Check out the Sam Day Foundation facebook page for the full album of photos by the amazing @zahnecal_photo Being Sam’s mom made my heart bigger. It’s forever broken, but it’s bigger. #sdbuddyrun #hopejunkie #onedaysamday #iamsam
The Buddy Run is THIS Saturday from 7:45 to 11am! You can follow along on Instagram Live or come cheer runners on along the route! Anna Grace will be there and she knows what it’s like to go through sarcoma treatment. Her message to other young people with cancer, “You are so strong! I know how hard and scary it is to be diagnosed with cancer and deal with the treatment process. Your bravery and courage is an inspiration to me, those around you, and many more. I pray for you every day. You’ve got this.” Read more about Anna Grace and all of the other young people and their runners on our Buddy Run Page through the website (also in our bio). So far this effort has raised over $60,000!!! #onedaysamday #sdbuddyrun
These young people are the reason why we do what we do! On September 25th runners will run in honor of a young person fighting cancer at the Sam Day Buddy Run! Read about each one of them and their runners by clicking the link in our bio! There are a few volunteer spots left! #sdbuddyrun
The next big event for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is the Sam Day Buddy Run! It’s coming up on September 25th! We have invited 20 endurance runners to run and fundraise in honor of a young person fighting cancer. The 12-mile course runs near Sunset Highway and Cedar Mill, with FUN-tastic finish line festivities at Terra Linda Park! Check the link in our bio to volunteer and generate some energy around this incredible effort for kids! #sdbuddyrun
On September 26th, the Sam Day Buddy Run will take place in Portland, Oregon. Twenty participants will be running the streets of our city, each honoring a child currently fighting pediatric cancer here in Portland. Please join us in supporting our friend, @jparsnipz , as he runs for Josiah and his brave battle to conquer this ugly enemy. While Josiah may be just one face, there are thousands more kiddos fighting similar battles – and we can all help make a difference. To donate on behalf of Josiah and Jonathan, please visit: https://run signup.com/jonathanandjosiah or see our bio for the link. #onedaysamday #gogold #sdbuddyrun #37forcancer #childhoodcancerawareness #childhoodcancerawarenessmonth
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and we are proud to be a long-time supporter of the Sam Day Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to funding childhood cancer research. Join us this month as we support The Sam Day Buddy Run and Sam Day 37 Mile Challenge. These two fundraising events are fun and rewarding ways you too can help battle what no child or their families should have to face. More information can be found at samdayfoundation.org #onedaysamday #gogold #sdbuddyrun #37forcancer #childhoodcancerawareness #childhoodcancerawarenessmonth
That’s right! We have ANOTHER cool event happening in September. This invitation only running event brings together some strong and compassionate runners with fierce cancer fighters. The run will happen on September 26th. See the list of runners and their buddies on our website under the events tab. Samdayfoundation.org. This one will give you something to care about. We all need that. #onedaysamday #livewell #SDbuddyrun