Over the weekend, local charitable childhood cancer organization, Book for Hope, hosted their seventh annual Just Imagine® Childhood Cancer Walk at McCracken County High School. Book for Hope’s purpose is to provide help and support to children and their families battling childhood cancer and raise awareness for more research to be conducted with childhood cancers.

This walk was successful in raising money for Book for Hope’s cause, as well as spreading awareness. Children and their families enjoyed games, prizes, face painting, music, food, Dippin’ Dots, cotton candy, ice cream and a guest speaker before the four-mile walk began. The four-mile distance holds a significant meaning; only four percent of federal funding goes to researching childhood cancer, the other 96 percent to the research of adult cancers. Childhood cancer differs from adult cancer in the way that it is not linked to or caused by lifestyle or environment; it is random.

Shawn James and daughter Kendall (pictured) led the walk, while other participating teams and community members lined up behind them. Kendall James was the first child to go through the Book for Hope program. Book for Hope honors and remembers the local children who were lost to cancer and continues to support their families, and would like to thank everyone who came out to support, including their volunteers, sponsors and vendors.

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. You can show your support through reaching out, sending donations or volunteering for the cause.