Childhood Cancer & Upcoming 5K Fun Run

This evening, the Apex Lions Club was honored to host Lion Becky Burt, the Childhood Cancer and Services Chair for District 31S, at our meeting. Lion Becky shared her deeply personal journey as a Lion for the past 8 years, inspired by her husband Lion Ed Burt, a 43-year member, who gifted her membership. What started with an interest in the Peace Poster project has blossomed into a profound commitment to childhood cancer initiatives.

Lion Becky highlighted the incredible work being done, including the Cary club’s annual barbecue grill raffle, which has raised an impressive average of $3,500 per year for childhood cancer. These funds directly benefit UNC Children’s Hospital providing crucial items like crayons, colored pencils, games, toys, plushies, and gift cards. These items offer much-needed distraction and comfort to young patients whose average age is a heartbreaking 16 months old. We are working to get a more comprehensive list of needs to share with our community soon.

She also brought to our attention an incredibly important upcoming event: a 5K and Fun Run in Greenville, NC, on Saturday, October 25th, benefiting Maynard Children’s Hospital. This event, organized by District 31O, aims to raise $10,000 to fund an immersive theater, playing movies on the ceiling for children undergoing treatments. Imagine the comfort and joy this will bring!

This family-friendly event includes a t-shirt, is professionally timed, and is a wonderful opportunity to support a great cause.

Event Details:

• What: 5K & Kid’s Fun Run/Walk
• When: Saturday, October 25th, 9:00 AM
• Where: Greenville, NC
• Why: To raise funds for an immersive theater at Maynard Children’s Hospital for kids undergoing treatment.

Let’s rally together to make a difference in the lives of these brave young patients. Your participation, whether running, walking, or donating, directly contributes to bringing comfort and joy during difficult times.

One of our members, Lion Linda Cromwell had this to add: Since our speaker tonight was about Lions support for Childhood cancer victims I wanted to send this photo of one of the quilts I made for “Quilts for Kids ” which makes quilts to distribute in local hospitals for children suffering from cancer, aids, physical abuse and life threatening illnesses. Kids aren’t allowed to bring their stuffed toys into the hospital but the hospital allows washable cotton quilts. My quilt guild, Southern Wake Quilters Guild , hopes to provide 300 quilts this year for kids in local hospitals.