Every year, the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute at MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach becomes a hub of inspiration, resilience, and hope as hundreds of children with cancer and serious blood disorders, along with their families, gather for the annual Champions Run for Life “Torch Run.” This year was no exception, as participants – ranging from young patients to survivors and those honoring loved ones lost – came together to raise crucial funds for expanded treatment programs and pioneering research.
The event’s centerpiece, an Olympic-style torch, symbolized a collective hope for a cure as it was triumphantly carried in a relay around Long Beach’s iconic Lion’s Lighthouse for Sight at Shoreline Aquatic Park. The sight of the torch lighting the way for participants – whether running, wheeling, or walking – was a poignant reminder of the strength found in unity. The crowd, filled with sponsors, community supporters, and volunteers, responded with enthusiastic cheers and applause as each participant’s name was called, creating an atmosphere charged with optimism and solidarity.
“Our patients continue to inspire us every day, and feeling the support coming from the parents, families, friends, supporters, and the whole care team makes this truly a family event,” says Jacqueline Casillas, M.D., medical director, Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute, MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach. “Champions Run for Life is a powerful reminder of the strength and power of resilience of our community and the importance of continued research and support for these brave children and their families.”
Among the participants were former patients celebrating milestones like six years of remission and current patients marking the completion of their first year of treatment. Each runner led their team of supporters in style, adorned with posters, banners, and vibrant attire, embodying the spirit of the day. After the relay, families and friends gathered for a joyful picnic and carnival by the ocean, where the celebration continued with activities and heartfelt moments of connection. A highlight of the day was the signing of Ribbons of Hope cards – personal messages of encouragement to be distributed to patients during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September.
For many families, the Torch Run is a tradition rooted in perseverance and hope. Jemelynne, mother of 12-year-old Braelynne, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at just 2-months-old, shared why the event holds such significance.
“It’s our 12th year coming to Champion’s Run for Life, and we keep coming back to show Braelynee’s strength, and to support others who are going through a tough time,” says Jemelynne, mother of 12-year-old Braelynne who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at 2-months-old. “Keep on fighting and staying positive, even when things get tough, you have to keep fighting. This is what today is about.”
The Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute is renowned not only for its specialized cancer programs—such as the Leukemia/Lymphoma Program, Neuroblastoma Program, Bone and Soft Tissue Program, and Brain Tumor Program—but also for its comprehensive care that addresses the emotional and psychological needs of patients and their families. The funds raised by the 2024 Champions Run for Life “Torch Run” are instrumental in supporting psychosocial programs like the School Integration Program, which helps children maintain their education during treatment, and Art Therapy, which offers a creative outlet to help patients cope with their illness. The hospital’s commitment to holistic care also includes Psychosocial Support Services and Palliative Care, ensuring that families receive the emotional, psychological, and comfort care they need during challenging times.
The Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital stands out as a beacon of hope, with its multidisciplinary approach bringing together experts from various specialized fields to provide personalized, dedicated pediatric care. As a member of the Children’s Oncology Group, the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute is at the forefront of leading-edge research and clinical trials, offering patients access to the latest treatments and innovations. This dedication to both advanced medical care and comprehensive support services underscores the hospital’s role as a leader in the fight against childhood cancer.
The story of the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute is rooted in the legacy of 16-year-old Jonathan Jaques, whose selfless act of giving his life savings to support future children with cancer inspired the creation of the Institute. Though Jonathan lost his battle with cancer, his legacy has endured for over four decades, with the Jaques family continuing to support the Institute and its mission. Each year, they attend the Champions Run for Life, honoring Jonathan’s memory and standing in solidarity with the children and families who embody the same spirit of hope and determination.
Champions Run for Life “Torch Run” is not just a fundraiser; it is an annual celebration of life, a testament to the power of community, and hope for the future. As the torch passed from hand to hand, making it’s the way around Lion’s Lighthouse, it carried with it the dreams and aspirations of every child, every family, and every supporter who believes that a cure is possible. And with each step, the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital continues its mission to turn those dreams into reality.
