Eighteen years ago, a woman named Evelyn Anderson, asked a group of friends to form a Friends of Karen Race Team to participate with her as she ran in the 5K race held during Nassau County’s yearly Long Island Marathon weekend of races. She and the team ran to fundraise to give back to Friends of Karen for the support Evelyn’s family received after her son, Luke, was diagnosed with leukemia. This small team has grown through the years and now is one of Friends of Karen’s yearly fundraisers.

The Friends of Karen Race team had 200 participants walk or run in all three days of events including the 5K, 10K Half & Full Marathons including a 1K family fun run!

The largest number of team members walk or run in the weekend’s 5K race that will be held this year on Friday evening, May 3rd at Eisenhower Park.

This team continues what Evelyn started and is an opportunity for friends, families and work colleagues to come together to support a mission that helps families caring for a child with a life-threatening illness.

As members of the Friends of Karen Marathon Team, our goal is to raise funds that will directly benefit families like Evelyn's. We firmly believe that no family should have to endure the financial and emotional strain brought on by a severely ill child alone.

By generously donating today, you will be making a significant impact on the lives of these families, granting them the support and resources they so desperately require. Any contribution, no matter the amount, will make a profound difference. Your donation will not only support families financially but also remind them that they are not alone in their journey.

Thank you for considering a donation to my fundraising page in support of our Friends of Karen Marathon Team. Your support will have a long-lasting impact on the lives of the families they serve!

xoxo

The Bellissimo Family