To recognize Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the third annual Joshua’s Walk was held Sept. 22 at Mercer’s Walter F. George School of Law.
The event’s proceeds benefit Joshua’s Wish, a non-profit organization focused on raising funds and awareness for pediatric brain cancer.
This year’s Joshua’s Walk had approximately 100 participants choosing to run or walk the 5k.
Joshua’s Walk was founded by Labrina Solomon who began the organization and the event after her son, Joshua, passed away from a rare form of brain cancer at the age of four.
In his memory, Solomon founded the philanthropic organization to help raise funds and awareness of the disease.
Beth Manley, a senior Mercer student, has attended the event for the last three years.
“I enjoy this event because I have been able to help make a difference in the fight to end childhood pediatric brain cancer. More so, I have enjoyed my participation in this event because I have seen the hard work and dedication that Miss Labrina pours in to Joshua’s Wish each year, and I have seen how she is personally affected by its outcome. Each year, Joshua’s Walk has more and more awareness for pediatric brain cancer while involving the Macon and Mercer community.”
The goal of the organization, Joshua’s Wish, is to raise funds to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, clinical trials and other medical organizations in search for a cure.
According to the Joshua’s Wish Facebook page, “Joshua’s Wish, Inc. was formed primarily to conduct fundraising to support medical research in finding a cure for pediatric brain tumors.
Joshua’s Wish, Inc. also exists to financially assist families of children who have cancer and are undergoing treatment, and to raise awareness of childhood cancer.”
Participants registered with a $20 fee and received a t-shirt for their participation. They had the choice to register as a team or as individuals.
Mercer students were incredibly active in both volunteering and participating on the day of the event.
Mercer Law students organized a bake sale the week leading up to the event to benefit the organization.
In addition, many Macon businesses held philanthropy nights where their establishment donated a portion of their sales to Joshua’s Wish.
Mellow Mushroom held a benefit night on Thursday, Sept. 20 from 6-9 pm, while Amanda’s Cakery downtown sold a special cupcake commemorating Joshua’s Wish by sending 100% of proceeds to the philanthropy. Also, on Sept. 24 Chili’s donated their profits to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
For more information on the organization visit www.joshuaswish.org
Macon supports Joshua’s Wish
