Suffield Color Fun Run To Help Continue Memory Of Kyla Pokorny

SUFFIELD, CT — The memory of a young woman taken far too soon by cancer is ongoing by an organization bearing her name, and a family-friendly event this Sunday at Suffield High School is designed to continue her legacy.

Kyla Pokorny was a 2015 Enfield High School graduate who was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma in junior high school. Her goal was to make sure the kids and families of Connecticut Children's Medical Center were remembered on the holidays, thus Kyla's Krusaders came into being. The group has been working with CCMC for over eight years.

Pokorny died on April 26, 2017 at 20.

"COVID has changed how things are done, but we still make sure the kids are taken care of at the holidays," parent and organizer Lynn Piemonte said.

For their Capstone Project, Suffield students Ryan McMullen, Brendan Wood and Sean Patrick Kearney decided to help out Kyla’s Krusaders and do a Color Fun Run at the school. Runners and walkers of all ages will traverse a 2-mile course, complete with "colors from the rainbow," beginning at 10:30 a.m.

"Money raised will help take care of the kids at CCMC on the MS8 oncology floor," Piemonte said. "We bring them the holidays! Currently we serve a full Thanksgiving dinner for 26 families and two shifts of staff, and supply $1,000 gift cards to families at Christmas. We’d love to add Easter baskets and Valentine's Day chocolates with your help."

Raffle prizes will be up for grabs, and a local food truck will be on site. Donations are still being accepted.

Registration is through May 21, and may be done by clicking here. Participants will receive a T-shirt and color pack.

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