September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and with so many kids needing medical treatment, there’s a special place in Tampa giving them everything they can’t get at the hospital.
Now, that place needs the community’s help in their annual event.
Christopher Dugan, 14, says the Children’s Cancer Center of Tampa is a refuge for kids and their families dealing with cancer.
“It’s not a foundation for the research. It’s more of a place to keep the families happy. To keep the spirits up while the kids are going through cancer [treatments],” says Dugan.
Dugan was diagnosed with bone cancer last August, just a few days after his 13th birthday. Dugan says he spent around 200 days in the hospital, not being able to go to school for his eighth grade year. Instead, he studied in the hospital and Skyped with teachers.
When he was well enough to leave the hospital, it was the Children’s Cancer Center that provided an awesome place to go.
"You can meet different people and talk about your story and not feel judged because everyone here has their own story and emotions and feelings about it."
The center doesn’t charge families anything to come in. They operate solely on donor and community support, which is why events like this weekend’s “Fall Stampede” are so important. Last year’s raised more than $65,000 for the center and this year they are hoping for even more.
Thankfully, Christopher's last doctor's appointment was a great one-- his last scan is completely clear.
This year's Fall Stampede is will be on Saturday, September 12:
- 6:30 a.m. Registration
- 8:00 a.m. 5k start
- 8:45 a.m. 1 Mile Fun Walk start
- 9:15 a.m. Mascot Race
For more information on registration for the Fall Stampede’s family friendly event, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/4th-annual-fall-stampede-presented-by-chick-fil-a-new-location-tickets-17448727614
If you can’t attend, but want to donate, visit: https://www.crowdrise.com/fallstampede2015