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Kids will race to raise money for Greater Atlanta families impacted by cancer
ATLANTA, GEORGIA (August 11, 2015) – On Sunday, August 23, 2015 Kids Triathlon, Inc. will host the 4th Annual Atlanta Kids Triathlon benefitting the Pinky Swear Foundation at the West Gwinnett Park Aquatic Center in Norcross. Thanks to the new partnership, money raised by racers will support children diagnosed with pediatric cancer and their families in the greater Atlanta area. Pinky Swear Foundation helps kids with cancer and their families by paying for immediate non-medical needs like mortgages, rent, utility bills, and food.
Over 900 kids ages 6-15 years old are expected to swim, bike and run in the USATriathlon-sanctioned event. In conjunction with the YMCA of Greater Atlanta, the Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation Department, and Children’s HealthCare of Atlanta, the event enables kids to be the stars of the show, while learning about civic responsibility and community involvement. Now through September 30, fundraising teams or individuals can earn fun incentives for levels beginning at $100, all while making a difference in the life of real kids and families who are going through a health and financial crisis. In many cases, the money provides basic needs such as mortgage or rent, transportation, utilities, gas cards and food.
Kids triathlons to benefit Pinky Swear Foundation are being held in eleven markets in 2015 including Jacksonville, Charlotte, Des Moines, Omaha, Quad Cities, Boston, Houston, Dallas, and Kansas City, with the largest race taking place in the Pinky Swear hometown of Minneapolis, for it’s twelfth annual event.
The Pinky Swear Story
Pinky Swear Foundation was founded in honor of Mitch Chepokas, who lost his battle to bone cancer in 2003. In December 2002, 9-year-old Mitch overheard his pediatric oncology ward neighbors stressed about money for Christmas gifts, and generously decided to give away his savings – $6,000 – to other kids fighting cancer. After sneaking envelopes of cash under doors and on nightstands, Mitch told his dad it was the most fun he’d ever had, and he wanted to do it again the following year. With a terminal prognosis, his dad had to tell Mitch the truth: that he wouldn’t be around the following Christmas. That’s when Mitch made his dad, Steve, ‘pinky swear promise’ to continue to help families with kids with cancer even after he was gone. To date, over $10.8 million has been given to brave kids battling cancer.
Pediatric Cancer Facts
- One child is diagnosed with pediatric cancer every 45 minutes
- The average age of diagnosis is 6 years old
- The average length of treatment is 2 years
- The average family will spend 25% of its disposable income on non-medical related expenses associated with the treatment of their child
- One in 11 families with a child diagnosed with cancer will file for bankruptcy
- Childhood cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children under the age of 15 in the U.S.
About Pinky Swear Foundation
Founded in 2003, The Pinky Swear Foundation is a 501c(3) not-for-profit passionately committed to helping children with cancer and their families by being fanatically responsive to the immediate crisis facing families with a childhood cancer diagnosis. Pinky Swear Foundation activities include the world’s largest kids fundraising triathlon series, National Pinky Swear Day on December 11, and other community engagement events around the nation. Visit www.pinkyswear.org for more information.
About Kids Triathlon
The Atlanta Kids Triathlon is being organized by Kids Triathlon, Inc. Kids Triathlon is a 501c(3) entity that organizes the largest series of kids triathlons in the world, with six events in 6 markets during the 2015 season. The Founding partner organization in Atlanta is the YMCA of Greater Atlanta. For more information on how to register or volunteer for the Atlanta Kids Triathlon visit www.AtlantaKidsTriathlon.org.
Media Contacts
Jenny Peters, Director of Marketing
Pinky Swear Foundation
Office 952.232.6395
jenny.peters@pinkyswear.org
Wesley Myrick, Community Development Representative
Pinky Swear Foundation
Mobile 404.587.3940
wesley.myrick@pinkyswear.org