The Ryan McElroy Children's Cancer Foundation "Never Say No" 5K race/walk
Day: Saturday, August 19, 2017
Time: 9 am (family race), 9:30 am (5K race/walk)
Location: Long Dock Park, Beacon, NY
Kids' Fun Run: $10 (online, in advance), $15 (race day)
5K: $20 (online) $25 (race day)
Gifts to first 100 registrants (limited race day gifts)

As a baby, Noah Cory was treated for stage 4 neuroblastoma (a type of cancer) when he was only 18 months old. As a freshman at Beacon High School, Noah produced a documentary offering a behind-the-scenes look at what families go through when one of their children is diagnosed with cancer. Now a junior, Noah has been producing 5K races as fundraisers for different organizations. He has one coming up this Saturday at Long Dock Park: the Never Say No 5K and Family Fun Run. "Doing these fundraisers is a way to give back to everyone who helped me when I was going through stage 4 neuroblastoma cancer at 18 months."

When Noah was undergoing treatment, his mother started and ran the Noah Cory Foundation to help other families coping with the effects of a child's cancer. Today, Noah's fundraising efforts are going toward the Ryan McElroy Foundation, named for a boy who passed away just shy of his fifth birthday due to stage 4 Ewing sarcoma, a rare bone cancer. "The foundation does amazing work and helps many families everyday here in the Mid-Hudson Valley," says Noah. "It is the foundation's mission to 'Never Say No' to a family in need, and that is why I decided to name the race the 'Never Say No 5K and Family Fun Run.'"

Producing the documentary was Noah's first time taking the lead on fundraisers. "During the process of filming, I met a lot of wonderful people and realized that I need to do anything I can to help these children and their families that are going through cancer." A teacher at Beacon High School nominated Ryan to participate in the LLS Student of the Year Competition. Students competed to raise the most money over nine weeks from January to March this year by hosting events, door-to-door fundraising, and gaining sponsorships. During the nine weeks, Noah hosted two dodgeball tournaments at BHS and Rombout Middle School.

Maybe you went to one! If you cannot participate in the 5K but want to help, you can donate directly through the Ryan McElroy Foundation's website.