2023 Fun Run Event Breaks Record

Thank you to every sponsor, participant, and donor, for helping us make the 2023 EHE Fun Run and Walk the LARGEST in our history with 1,156 registrations and more than 60 teams!

Graphic for the Shine a Light on rare cancer event with text that reads: 2023 EHE Fun Run & Walk Event Breaks REcord

Registration for the event went through the month of April and supporters participated in the virtual event across the country mostly in May and June. Some teams were strictly virtual, while others gathered many people to complete the run/walk together. Other teams are planning to gather later this year.

A variety of all ages and abilities participated in this family fun event. Together, we raised over $60,000 to support EHE research. Those who registered received a “Shine a Light on Rare Cancer” t-shirt, bracelet, and “Just Live” temporary tattoo. Many supported simply donated to a team of their choice, too.

It is proven that rare cancers create awareness and attract science to their cause with grassroots fundraising and events. A special thanks to our 2023 EHE Fun Run and Walk Sponsors:

Platinum Sponsor Mara Law Firm

Gold Sponsors Hansen Distribution Agency Huen Electric Monticello, Warren and Dallas County Animal Clinics The Bright Solutions

Silver Sponsor V&P Hydraulic Products, LLC

We are already looking forward to our 2024 event. If you would like to be a part of our planning committee or would like to host an event of your own, feel free to reach out to LeeAnn at [email protected]. Feel free to email her additional photos to add to this page, too!

Event Photos

A 2 photo collage of a woman and her sports watch showing the activity time

A large group of people get together for a photo under the pavilion

A family comes together for a photo in front of a forest

meyers posing with a shaka hand at the trail head sign

A large outdoor party showing off all the attendees with red and yellow balloons

A group of friends come together for a photo at the party

A group of people gather for a photo on a set of stairs

Another shot of the group on the concrete stairs

A crew of run walkers with a woman in an orange hoody explaining something to the group

A woman smiles in here Shine a light tshirt

A group of people in the park having a party

Julie Falkner's selfie with friends with one holding the thumbs up

Top Teams

When a group of individuals come together to Shine a Light on EHE, it’s an amazing thing! Teams of families, friends, neighbors, teammates, coworkers, classmates, and other supporters are coming together in a united fight against EHE. These teams have rallied top support for the 2023 EHE Fun Run and Walk by having 10 or more participants or by raising more than $300. Thank you for your passion, generosity and continuous support!

Jennifer Ness' team claimed our top team spot for this year’s EHE Fun Run and Walk. Jennifer was recently diagnosed with this one-in-a-million cancer. Even while navigating her new diagnosis and managing day-to-day life including two active children, she rallied a nationwide team of nearly 350 participants and raised almost $16,000!

More than 300 people also joined her local event on June 4th, 2023. The event featured a 5K run or a 1K walk, which concluded at a local NJ brewery, Kings Road Brewery. Friends and family enjoyed a DJ and brunch in the outdoor space. Brunch was donated by a local restaurant, Café Lift. Supporters could register for the EHE Fun Run and Walk, but also have the option to enjoy a beer, brunch, and a cookie for a suggested donation of $20 per person.

Jennifer said, “The event was a tremendous success and I’m so lucky to live in an incredibly supportive community! A special thanks to my walk organizer, Jill Lloyd, and fundraiser coordinator and sponsor, Lindsey Watson-McCarthy.”

Check out our social media pages for highlights of some of our other top teams.