5K juggles fun, fundraising

Seventeen-year-old Candace Powell believes even the most mundane day has a purpose.

But, that does not mean she doesn’t plan a bit of excitement.

On Aug. 13, Powell’s circus-inspired vision to raise funds for pediatric cancer research will take center stage at Nathan Benderson Park,  in the form of Candy’s Circus Run.

Powell has planned jugglers, performances by Sailor Circus, family-friendly games and other festivities following the 5K chip-timed run and 1-mile walk, all with a goal of raising at least $5,000 for CureSearch for Children’s Cancer, an organization whose mission is to end children’s cancer by driving research with measurable results. Powell became involved with the organization about three years ago.

“I did this because I really want to make a difference in the community and inspire others,” Powell said. “In this day and age, so much can bring people down. Every day should be something to live for and fun and exciting, and I hope people realize that.”

Although Powell has not had cancer, her condition, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, is similar to leukemia. It is a rare, life-threatening condition in which the body accumulates too many white blood cells, which results in the formation of tumors or damage to organs. In Powell’s case, the first oncologist she saw as an infant told her parents he likely could not save her. Following three years of treatment, her disease was under control and has been since its last flareup in kindergarten. She goes to the doctor every year for X-rays and a CT scan. She’ll never be cured, just in remission.

“She’s overcome so many adversities, fought for her life through numerous chemotherapy treatments, realized that life is precious and that she has great purpose in life to do good for others,” Candace’s mom, Cheryl Powell, said.

In fact, Candace still has her chemo port scar and does not make any effort to hide it.

Every day, Candace looks at a saying her mother painted on her teal-colored bedroom wall at her request.

“Never be ashamed of a scar. It simply means you were stronger than whatever tried to hurt you.”

“She has a real appreciation and understanding of what it means to be alive and what it means to be a survivor,” said Robin Howe, associate head of school at NewGate Montessori School, where Candace is pursuing an International Baccalaureate diploma. “She’s proving to be an incredibly driven person.”

Cheryl Powell said Candy’s Run is just one example of how Candace takes an idea to make a difference, researches ways to make it happen, sprinkles in humor and invites everyone to join in on the result.

“Everywhere Candace goes, she touches people’s lives,” Cheryl Powell said. “It’s really a rare attribute, and I’m not just saying this just because she’s my daughter. Many people recognize her charisma and constantly share with her dad and I the impact she’s made.”

Candace Powell came up with the idea for Candy’s Circus Run in April and used the summer to pull the event together. She had volunteered as the activities and entertainment chairwoman for CureSearch’s Tampa Bay Walk last year and wanted to do something locally when the organization launched its “gold” program to promote volunteer-created fundraisers.

Although Candace’s parents encouraged her to push back the run to 2017 because of the short timeframe for organizing it, Candace remained committed to her vision.

She believes she can reach her $5,000 goal because sponsorships and donations so far have covered 100% of her costs.

Candace Powell said the run is an example of how each day can be used for good.

“Every day, you have something you are destined to that will bring happiness to your life or somebody else,” she said. “Even in the mundane, there’s something. Every day is a gift.”