Lacey Kids For A Cure Walk For Pediatric Cancer Research Friday Night

Gille Park will be full of children dressed in yellow in Gille Park on Friday night.

They will each walk a mile to help children suffering from pediatric cancer. All proceeds raised will go to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.

“It’s making kids aware of the challenges other children have to go through with battling cancer and honoring all the families that have had to endure such tragedy,” said Kelli Smith.

The event starts at 5 p.m. for registration and entertainment. The walk will begin at 6 p.m. Children ages five through 18 will walk the one-mile course passing by signs of other children who have battled or are battling cancer.

Lacey Kids for a Cure began with one 7-year-old girl who held an Alex’s Lemonade Stand event in honor of a little girl named Stephanie Bader. She asked five of her friends to help and they raised $3,000. The group grew to 25 children. They held another stand at a township event and raised another $4,000.

“We are now bordering the $10,000 mark from children helping children,” Smith said. “This event is the first of its kind for Lacey and neighboring communities and it will become an annual event.”

Lacey Sgt. Mike McAleavey will lead off the walk by playing Amazing Grace on the bagpipes. Tom and Dees will donate free ices. Lacey fire companies and Mayor Gary Quinn will also be on hand.

Lacey Kids for a Cure have networked with local schools, churches, Girl Scouts, sports and sports teams.

“Truly a community coming together to do good,” Smith said.