Credit: John Shapiro's Superheroes/File photo from 2024.
To help the fight against pediatric cancer, local community members, volunteers, police departments and fire companies have come together over the last 10+ years to help a good cause.
The 13th Annual John Shapiro's Superheroes 5K Run/1 Mile Run/Walk and Fun Run was held on Saturday, June 7, at the St. Helena School, 1499 Dekalb Pike, Blue Bell.
The event is a tribute to the memory of a little boy who lost his battle to brain cancer in August 2011 at the young age of six. John bravely battled his cancer, enduring four difficult years of surgeries and treatments with a strong resolve and a positive attitude, according to fundraiser page. John touched and inspired so many lives with his engaging and heartwarming approach to life, leaving lasting memories with all those he encountered.
Each year, a different t-shirt is created to support the cause, or participants can dress up in a superhero costume, a favorite of John's.
"The little boy was a big superhero fan," said Jon Gallagher, Community Relations/Traffic Safety Sergeant at Whitpain Township Police Department. "We got a good turnout. We try and participate and show our faces, being part of the community. The run goes into the adjacent neighborhood, so we make sure everyone is safe and no cars are coming."
Volunteers also stepped up at the event to help and support the organization. All proceeds from the event went to John Shapiro Superheroes Foundation and will benefit local families with children battling cancer.
To date, the foundation has raised more than $600,000 over the previous 12 5K runs.
"The mother and father of this young man were on hand to say their thank you," Gallgher added.
You can read some of the heartfelt stories of how the money has helped families and children in need.
Childhood Cancer Statistics:
• 15,700 kids in the US diagnosed annually
• 43 children each day
• 80% 5 year survival rate
• 12% or nearly 2000 per year will not survive
• 60% suffer Late Effects such as secondary cancer, muscle difficulties, and infertility
• Childhood cancer affects all ethnic, gender, and socioeconomic groups
• Average age at diagnosis is 6 years old
• Greater than 40,000 children undergo treatment each year
• There are almost 375,000 adult survivors of pediatric cancer, 1 in 530 of adults ages 20-39
