Featured Image: Runs4Research
In 2016, following the tragic loss of their elementary school teacher to cancer, two sisters from Vermont embarked on a mission.
Cami and Chloe Blount were motivated to establish a nonprofit organization named Runs4Research Corp., with the objective of generating funds to support cancer research and provide assistance to individuals battling the disease.
Additionally, the Blount’s fundraising efforts expanded last year to assist with diabetic research. This was a personal effort after Chloe was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.
They explained, “Originally, we wanted to do something to find a cure for cancer, and now we’ve expanded our fundraising to help those with diabetes too.”
Starting a Non Profit For A Cause
The Blount sisters established and are continuously developing the Runs4Research Corp. nonprofit organization, driven by their commitment to assist individuals in the fight against these devastating diseases.
According to the National Institute of Health, in 2023, researchers projected almost 2 million new cancer cases and over 600,000 cancer deaths in the United States for 2023-2024. Also, in the US, over 38 million people suffer from diabetes, and in 2021 there were over 100,000 deaths in which the underlying cause of death was diabetes.
They explained, “Support from our community, friends, and family has been important, and teamwork remains key.”
Through the support of their community, volunteers, and donors, they have successfully raised more than $100,000 over the past eight years. Nevertheless, they remain committed to further increasing this amount and hope to do so in their organized event this year.
The Fundraising Event
This year, Runs4Research is hosting a fundraiser at Okemo Mountain Resort on February 1st, 2025, from 10 am to 2 pm. The runs will take place on the NASTAR course, and afterwards there will be an après ski and ride event held at Calcutta’s Restaurant in Ludlow, Vermont, from 5-8 pm.
They are excited to host the event in their hometown. They explained that they are looking forward to: “Seeing our little town of Ludlow come together to participate in this event. We hope that by creating our non-profit organization, we can raise even more money to fight these two diseases.”
This is a fun, day-long ski and ride event where participants will compete to see who can accomplish the most ski runs.
The event organizers ask skiers and riders to seek out sponsorships that are willing to fund their efforts. The event will give 100% of the sponsorships and proceeds from the donations directly to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute/Jimmy Fund, StandUp2Cancer, and the American Diabetes Association.
They explained the reasons as to why they picked these three organizations to send their raised funds to:
“We picked Dana Farber/Jimmy Fund because the people there were really helpful in the early years of R4R, helping us with our fundraiser.”
“The American Diabetes Association truly helped our family last year when Chloe was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.”
“This year, we added Stand Up 2 Cancer because we learned that they bring the best doctors and scientists from all around the world to work together to quickly make cancer treatment available now and save lives now.”
If you or your company are interested in being a volunteer, sponsor, or have any questions, contact R4R at runs4research@gmail.com. If you want to make a donation, visit www.runs4research.org. Join the fight against these diseases at Okemo Mountain Resort.
About the Author: Ellie Hartman
