Friends of Kids with Cancer was overjoyed to welcome a record-breaking crowd of more than 1,400 guests to the 25th Annual Walk with a Friend fundraiser at the scenic Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park. This special morning was more than just a walk—it was a heartfelt celebration of courage, community, and unwavering hope for St. Louis families navigating the difficult journey of childhood cancer.
For a quarter of a century, this cherished event—featuring a 1-mile walk and a 5K—has brought together friends, families, and neighbors, all united by a shared purpose: to support and honor the incredible children and families impacted by cancer. This year, in celebration of the 25th anniversary, the event proudly introduced a 10K option, offering a new challenge for passionate runners eager to go the extra mile for a meaningful cause.
Thanks to the generous support of sponsors and the boundless enthusiasm of volunteers, the event transformed the park into a vibrant festival. There was something for everyone—lively music, delicious breakfast treats, food trucks, exciting raffles, face painting, lawn games with prizes, and visits from beloved characters. The laughter of children echoed through the park as they left with painted cheeks, bags brimming with prizes, and unforgettable memories.
Joy and magic filled the air as kids met their favorite characters—Elsa, Moana, Cinderella, and Belle from Dreamtime Princesses—along with a fan-favorite guest, Louie, the St. Louis Blues mascot. Hugs, high-fives, and wide-eyed smiles were in no short supply.
The walk itself began with energy and emotion as DJ Shawn from Eclipse DJs STL set the tone with uplifting music. Children and parents held signs to honor loved ones—some in memory, some in honor. There were tears, there was laughter, and there was dancing. It was a powerful reminder of resilience and the strength of community.
One parent of a young patient shared a touching story in an email that perfectly captured the heart of the day:
"When [my daughter] was on treatment we went on a lot of walks. ...Our walks used to be a gauge of how [she] was doing. She went from being able to stumble all the way around our loop at 2 years old to only making it 1-2 houses before needing to be carried or climbing in the stroller. Ever so slowly as we neared the end of her treatment she started adding more distance one house at a time. I will never forget the first time she made it all the way around the loop."
"To be able to witness [my child] and so many others walk together is so beautiful. To do it with an organization that supports these families through it all, whether they’re walking one house or one mile…it takes my breath away."
The spirit of celebration continued as runners gathered for the 5K and 10K starts, signaled by the blare of fire truck and ambulance sirens from Maryland Heights Fire & EMS. Local radio personality Donny Fandango of The ARCH energized the crowd, calling out runners’ names as they crossed the finish line—some breathless, some triumphant, some pushing strollers with joyful little faces inside.
Among the top finishers were Jasmine Mayer (10K, 45:02), Jason Matott (10K, 37:17), and 13-year-old Nolan (10K, 59:15), the only child to complete the 10K—earning not just a medal, but admiration from the entire crowd. In the 5K, Carolyn Kelly (24:13), Alex Heepke (20:29), and 10-year-old Ryder (25:22) each took home medals and gift cards for their achievements.
A standout among many generous fundraisers was 10K participant Mike Dal Pozzo, who used the RunSignUp platform to raise an incredible $5,830. With donations from $50 to $1,000, his commitment touched many—and earned him the unofficial title of MVP for the highest individual fundraising total.
Friends of Kids with Cancer is now in the process of editing photos and tallying the final amount raised from registrations, raffles, team and personal fundraisers, sponsorships, and generous in-kind donations. One thing is already clear: the impact of this day will ripple far beyond the park, carrying hope, support, and joy to children and families who need it most.
PHOTOS COMING SOON!
TITLE SPONSOR
GOLD MEDAL SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
MILE MARKER SPONSORS
St. Louis Track Club
Vetta Sports
West Newsmagazine
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO
