Miller Children’s & Women’s patients dashed toward the finish line with their family, friends and sponsors, while carrying an Olympic-style torch – a symbol of hope – in the fight against pediatric cancer at the 33rd Annual Torch Run.

On Saturday, June 9, hundreds of children battling cancer and serious blood disorders from the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Center at MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach crossed the finish line at the 33rd Annual Torch Run “Champions Run for Life” event.

Former and current patients teamed up with families, volunteers, supporters and care team members to raise funds for the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Center. All attendees were united in raising awareness and honoring children who were in the midst of their battle with cancer or serious blood disorders, survivors and those who lost their fight.

This year’s Torch Run raised more than more than $200,000 in charitable gifts to support comprehensive care, research and support programs for children treated at the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Center.

The Olympic-style relay race was full of inspirational and uplifting moments as patients crossed the finish line to receive their medal – all while being cheered on by family, friends, sponsors and celebrities. The relay includes patient “champions” carrying a torch – a symbol of hope for a cure – as they walked, ran, wheeled or were carried across a 1/8-mile celebratory lap. Then they passed the torch to the next “champion,” together getting one step closer to the finish line.

“This event is dedicated to each patient and family who challenges cancer head on through love and hope,” says Jacqueline Casillas, M.D., medical director, Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Center, Miller Children’s & Women’s. “Everyone here has played an important role in helping a child affected by cancer. We are here to celebrate our kids and their families.”

The title sponsor of the event, Ralphs/Food 4 Less, joined the celebration with fun activities for Torch Run participants and attendees, including free cookie decorating and a photo booth. Ralphs/Food 4 Less has a well-established partnership with Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Center and demonstrates their ongoing support of patients and families affected by pediatric cancer.

Future generations and their families, continue to benefit from this event, as proceeds help continue research efforts to discover new breakthroughs. Children’s lives are being saved today because of research funded by events such as the
annual Torch Run.

Patients and their loved ones gather at the start line wearing fun t-shirts and holding posters in support of the patient they were sponsoring.

Care team members, like Ramin J. Javahery, M.D., neurosurgeon, medical director, pediatric neurosurgery, Miller Children’s & Women’s, attended Torch Run in support of their patients and families, many even running the 1/8-mile along with them.

Surrounded by friends, sponsors, care team members and supporters, Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Center former and current cancer patients were all smiles as they celebrated at Torch Run.