Meriden Childhood Cancer Survivor To Be Honored At Charity Event

MERIDEN, CT — Meriden resident Bryson Smith, a childhood leukemia survivor, will be the featured ambassador at Circle of Care’s Make Tracks Walk/Run event later this month.

Bryson, who is about to turn 9 years old, has been named “Champion” by Circle of Care for its Make Tracks for kids with cancer event, which will be held Sunday, Sept. 28 at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport.

The event is described as Connecticut’s only walk and 5K run supporting all families in the state facing childhood cancer.

Read more about Bryson’s story in the news release below:

Bryson’s mother, Mahogany Howard, remembers thinking, “I was so overwhelmed, I wasn’t even able to process the word ‘leukemia’.” She had just learned that her 5-year-old son was diagnosed with cancer.

Upon hearing those dreaded words, Bryson immediately had to undergo surgery, followed by a lengthy treatment regimen at Yale New Haven Hospital. That was in 2022, and life for him and his mom has not been the same since.

Mahogany had been working full-time at the post office but had to switch to a part-time night shift to care for Bryson during the day.

The reduced income, combined with mounting medical bills, put a heavy financial strain on their family. That’s when Circle of Care, a CT-based non-profit for families with childhood cancer, stepped in to provide financial assistance by helping them pay their bills while Bryson was in treatment.

Today, Bryson is in remission and about to turn 9 years old. He attended summer school and camp this year and is doing his best to return to a somewhat normal childhood, actively participating in triathlons, enjoying soccer and video games, and loves helping to care for his younger brother.

To honor Bryson for all that he has battled through, Circle of Care has named him "Champion" at their upcoming Make Tracks for kids with cancer event, Connecticut’s only walk and 5K run supporting all families in the state facing childhood cancer. The event takes place on Sunday, September 28—Sherwood Island State Park in Westport. Open to the public, Make Tracks includes:

• A timed 5K for runners and joggers
• A relaxed, untimed walk for all abilities
• Activities for all ages, including on-site health & wellness vendors

Each year, about 200 children in the state are diagnosed with cancer, with more than 500 in treatment at any given time. Make Tracks raises both awareness and vital funds to help children with cancer and their families.

To register or learn more, visit here.