Hundreds gathered at Bergfeld Park, united by a mission to raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer through a nonprofit dedicated to supporting young patients and their families. The event highlighted the importance of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and drew a heartfelt response from participants.
Riley Clifton, mother of a child known as a “Gold Network hero,” expressed her gratitude for the community’s support. “It’s very touching to see all of the support that everyone shows to childhood cancer awareness month,” she noted.
Among those affected by the disease were sisters Olivia and Sophie Deslatte. In 2020, Olivia was diagnosed with Aggressive T-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, and just last month, Sophie found herself in the emergency room, only to learn she was also battling cancer. Reflecting on her experience, Sophie shared, “I was there for five days straight not knowing what was happening to me. It was just really rough.” Olivia, expressing the emotional impact of receiving the diagnosis, said, “I was devastated. I was absolutely crushed because you never think it’s going to happen to you or someone in your family.”
The event, known as the Gold Run, served as a gathering space for not just participants but also other cancer heroes and their families. For many, crossing the finish line together was a poignant experience. “It makes you want to cry happy tears because you see some of these heroes, some of them were not able to walk. My son was not able to walk for two months whenever he was diagnosed, so it means a lot to see all of these heroes cross the line and the families banding together,” Clifton added.
The bittersweet nature of the event resonated with families as they celebrated the achievements of the young heroes while acknowledging the challenges they face. Olivia reflected on this dichotomy, saying, “It’s nice that this event is being held for them, and they get to do this, but it’s also kind of sad that they are here, and they had to go through what they went through.”
This year’s Gold Run saw a record number of participants, underscoring the community’s growing commitment to supporting pediatric cancer initiatives. Additionally, 19 more heroes were added to the Gold Network of East Texas, further emphasizing the ongoing need for awareness and assistance in the fight against childhood cancer.
