Sarah Grace Foundation Of Long Island To Hold Annual Virtual 5K Against Cancer

HICKSVILLE, NY — The Sarah Grace Foundation for Children With Cancer, Inc. has launched its annual Hugs for Sarah Virtual 5K, the Hicksville cancer charity announced.

All runners, walkers, cyclists and wheelchair athletes are invited to participate.

The deadline to register is May 3, with a discount offered to anyone who signs up by April 1.
Participants may choose their own course and complete the race alone, with a friend or a team. The race must be completed by May 31, and race bibs will be emailed following registration. All participants will also receive a Hugs For Sarah Medal, which will be shipped out after June 1.

All proceeds will benefit the Sarah Grace Foundation's initiatives. The Hicksville-based organization was founded in 2003 in honor of Sarah Grace Weippert, who died of cancer.

The registration fee is $40 and participants can sign up online. Instructions on how to complete the virtual marathon will then be sent to registrants.

There is a $5 discount when registering prior to April 1 using the code EARLYREG. All participants are encouraged to share photos from the race on social media with the hashtag #HugsForSarah5K.

"Every year, over 4,000 children die from cancer," said Matt Weippert, executive director of the foundation, in a news release. "Roughly 46 children are diagnosed every day, and 1 in 5 of them will not survive. We are all too familiar with their struggle, and we continue to do all we can to improve their quality of life."

Weippert said his daughter would have turned 34 years old on March 31.

"We wish to remind everyone how short life is and how quickly things change," he said. "For Sarah’s birthday we ask you all to tell someone you love them, hug your children, and do something special with them. Do it for you, do it for them, do it for Sarah."

Click here to learn more about the Sarah Grace Foundation through a Q&A.

The foundation works to fulfill its mission with several core programs, such as the Escape Hatch, the Bead Program, Gabe’s Chemo Duck, Sarah Grace’s Book Angels and financial aid for meals, transportation, household expenses, funeral expenses and more have been able to continue.

The foundation recently held a clothing drive in partnership with the J-Birds robotics teams
from Hicksville High School and Hicksville Middle School, which raised about $250. Plans are in the works to revive the Night of Laughter fundraiser in a new format and also add a Night at the Races fundraiser, according to Weippert.

For more information on The Sarah Grace Foundation, you may call 516-433-9745 or visit the foundation’s website. Donations or requests for information may be sent to The Sarah Grace Foundation at 17 E. Old Country Road, Unit B, PMB 202, Hicksville, NY 11801.