Cupcake Classic 5K to Honor Noah Van Houtan, Support Laine

Downers Grove, IL - The 5th Annual Cupcake Classic, previously the Run for Home, will take place May 22 in Downers Grove.

The run will raise money for the Noah's Hope Batten Disease Research Fund, which supports research, raises funds and informs the community about Batten disease.

"This year, we run to honor the fight and the life of Noah Van Houtan," states the event's Facebook page. "This year we run to support his sister Laine as she continues her fight, along with all of the other children afflicted with Batten. We run to support all Batten families, who have their children, brothers, sisters, grandchildren, nieces and nephews taken away from them far too soon. This year we band together as a community and run to help find a cure."

Noah lost his fight against Batten Disease on March 26, just a few weeks before his 12th birthday. His sister, Laine, continues her fight against Batten disease.

The Cupcake Classic is a kids' one-mile run and a 5K run or walk. The timed event begins near Blackstone Drive and 67th Street, taking participants through the surrounding neighborhood. All registered participants will receive a birthday cupcake as they cross the finish line.

Post-race festivities will take place on the northeast grounds of McCollum Park, behind the Fire Station. Ronald McDonald, face painters and balloon artists will join in the celebration.

Visit signmeup.com/112642 to sign up for this year's event and to donate.