Confronting Childhood Cancer will host its annual Easter 3K Run/Walk on Saturday, April 4, at Wickham Park, 2500 Parkway Drive in Melbourne. The event starts at 9 a.m. at the Youth Pavilion, with an Easter egg hunt beginning at 10 a.m. Proceeds will support Candlelighters of Brevard, a local nonprofit that provides resources to families affected by childhood cancer.
Participants can register online in advance or on-site starting at 8 a.m. The race is open to all ages and abilities, with no entry fee required. Organizers expect hundreds of runners and walkers to attend, including families, local businesses, and community members. Last year’s event raised over $25,000 for Candlelighters, which funds counseling, financial aid, and support groups for families across Brevard County.
The nonprofit was founded in 2021 by five students from Edgewood Jr/Sr High School: Nirvaan Dalal, Akhil Chinnasamy, Manan Patel, Vincent Wright, and Samih Daubney. The group started the organization after one of their classmates was diagnosed with leukemia. Dalal, now a senior at the school, said the event has grown each year. 'We wanted to create something that brings people together while making a difference,' he said.
Candlelighters of Brevard serves about 150 families annually, offering services like transportation to medical appointments and emergency financial assistance. The Easter event is one of the nonprofit’s largest fundraisers. 'Every dollar helps,' said Candlelighters executive director Maria Gonzalez. 'Whether you run, walk, or volunteer, you’re giving hope to families who need it most.'