- October 3, 2024
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There was no shortage of gold shirts, signs, flags and messages of hope, to be found during Blaze of Hope's Walk for Childhood Cancer on Sept. 9 — even more than last year, said the group’s president Shawn Platt.
While last year's walk drew about 100 participants, the turnout this year was around 150, despite less advertising for the event, he said.
“Seeing that everybody is getting used to us and seeing us all the time just brings more awareness to our cause, and it's awesome,” Platt said.
The nonprofit provides financial assistance to families of hospitalized children with life-threatening medical conditions. CEO Lisa Moore founded the organization in honor of her son Blaze. Born in 1999, Blaze died after he was diagnosed with liver cancer at 7 months old.
Beginning at the Hart’s Landing bait and tackle shop near the base of the John Ringling Causeway, the walk proceeded across the causeway and back, with walkers wearing gold shirts emblazoned with the group's logo and carrying signs and flags, drawing notice from drivers on the bridge.
Many of the walkers present were small children.
“Nothing better than seeing smiles on the kids' faces, as they all should be,” said Bettye Restle, a partner of Blaze of Hope.
Members of Suncoast Community Church also were present.
“Cancer awareness for kids is not very common, so we wanted to support (Blaze of Hope),” said church member Heather Hutchinson.
Among Blaze of Hope's achievements is the annual September lighting of the John Ringling Causeway, in gold, for cancer awareness month. After Moore and Platt met with then-mayor Erik Arroyo over a year ago, the idea was proposed to and approved by the city commission.
The nonprofit will now partner annually with Hart's Landing for the event.
The charity's impact hasn’t been limited to the community of Sarasota. Platt said the group has also achieved bridge lightings in 70 other locations, with some as far away as Australia.
“It’s really spread. Spread like fire,” Platt said.