Raising $10,762, WHS students participated in the annual Kids Walk for Kids with Cancer event on May 12 in Central Park, according to junior Molly Prybylski, founder of the Kids Walk Club at WHS.
According to kidswalkforkidswithcancer.org, the event is “an upbeat, family friendly walkathon that supports pediatric cancer research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.” Since its start in 2001, the Kids Walk foundation has raised over $1.32 million.
The mission of the event is to “support pediatric cancer research at MSKCC through student-led publicity, fundraising and awareness efforts,” according to the website.
The project funds are allocated the summer after the event. In 2011, proceeds went to the funding of nanoparticle pediat- ric cancer research, according to the website.
Said Simon Staples-Vangel, co-chair of the Kids Walk for Kids with Cancer Foundation, “It’s proven that increased funding for pediatric cancer research really increases survival.”
According to Prybylski, the money raised from the club came through donations and the sale of ring pops, shoelaces, t-shirts and Stella & Dot jewelry.
The event included a cake from Carlo’s Bakery, featured on the TLC program Cake Boss. Prybylski coordinated with Carlo’s Bakery and designed for the 1,400 walkers.
Said senior Brendan Oster, “The whole thing was extremely well run, making the experience both rewarding and fun.”
Added Prybylski, “The support and encouragement provided by the school community are what really make the Kids Walk a success.”