Registration open for annual Race for Grace cancer fundraiser

The organizers of a 5K race and walk in memory of a North Huntingdon youngster who lost her life to brain cancer 15 years ago hope this year’s event April 22 will raise $165,000 to support research and families facing cancer.

The Race for Grace, held at Norwin High School in North Huntingdon in memory of 5-year-old Grace Ekis who died Feb. 14, 2008, has raised close to $1.6 million for the Reflections of Grace Foundation. The race is its largest fundraiser. The group has given $831,000 to about 575 families of children battling brain cancer across the country and has awarded $625,000 to fund research grants through the DIPG Collaborative, a collection of foundations.

The activities begin at 7 a.m., and the race begins at 9. There will be indoor games, dance performances, a basket raffle, silent auction and charitable hair donations.

“We take comfort in the fact that, with the support of this community, we have been able to continue raising money to ease the financial burden that many families face when their child is diagnosed with brain cancer and fund research critical to finding a cure,” said Grace’s mother, Tamara Ekis, who is president of the Reflection of Grace Foundation.

Grace would have turned 21 shortly before this year’s race, Ekis said.

The entrance fee before Tuesday, March 21, is $25 for adults, $20 for children 12 and younger, and $25 for virtual participants wanting a T-shirt or $20 for those who do not want a T-shirt. Starting Wednesday, March 22, the price increases by $5; beginning April 18, there will be a $10 price hike.

Participants can register online at reflectionsofgrace.org for either the 5K run, 5K walk or 1-mile fun walk.

Information is available on Facebook at facebook.com/reflectionsofgrace.