Blaze of Hope walk raises money for families of children with cancer

By Ian Swaby
| 5:00 p.m. September 10, 2023

7-year-old Pyper Hutchinson and 4-year-old Griffin Hutchinson run along the bridge with 4-year-old Rory Hutchinson and Heather Hutchinson in back.

Sarasota
Neighbors

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.

Lisa Moore, CEO and founder of Blze of Hope, talks with Vice President April Barnes during the distribution of shirts before the event.

Andrew Springer, 15, and 17-year-old Gemma Davies prepare to take the walk.

Seven-year-old Carson Mathis waves a flag before the walk.

Alaysha Prestia and 2-year-old Eleasia Prestia take a look at the jungle gym at Hart's Landing.

Four-year-old Valiana Moore climbs the jungle gym.

Jessica Barnes, 16, who recently lost her mother to cancer, receives a hug from fundraising coordinator Myra Moore.

John Hollingsworth serves as DJ at the event.

Cory and Axel Feliziano dance to the music as they take in the scene at the event.

The group moves onto John Ringling Causeway with Dawn Grooms and President Shawn Platt in front.

Chris Harmon and 10-year-old Logan Harmon take the walk.

Tristan Sauveur, Brady Bench, Joshua Small, and cancer fighter Landon Chandler, all 14 years old.

Mark Goldberg, walking on the bridge with his wife Sharon Goldberg, greets a group of walkers.

Isaac Thomas, April Barnes, Jessica Barnes and Bettye Restle.

Brittany Gerren, 2-year-old Will Chandler, Amanda Chandler and Courtney Wheiland take the walk.

Seven-year-old Grace Miriles tries to place a flag in her hair with help from Meghan Houlihan.

The event saw a turnout of about 150, according to staff.

Participants take a trip with Miss Clara Boat Tours after the walk.

author

Ian Swaby

Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.