DES MOINES—Due to the water levels at Water Works Park, The Heart Connection Children’s Cancer Programs and Water Works officials have determined that the “Run, Rock & Stroll” event scheduled for Saturday August 2 will officially combine with an existing run already benefiting The Heart Connection Children’s Cancer Programs, “Brant’s Great Pumpkin Race,” on Saturday, October 11at 10AM in Earlham. 

All participants currently registered will be registered for “Brant’s Great Pumpkin Race” and are encouraged to participate on the new date of Saturday, October 11, and email reminders will be sent prior to new race date.  Participants will receive both race shirts and goodie bags.  For those registrants unable to participate, they can contact The Heart Connection Children’s Cancer Programs office and their registration shirt and materials will be mailed to them.

“Run, Rock & Stroll,” presented by Wellmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield and supported by other local partners, is a family-friendly event, featuring a 10K, 5K and 1 mile fun-run/walk.  The event is in its ninth year and was featured as Cityview’s Best Running Event in 2006.  “Run, Rock & Stroll” is the largest annual fundraising event for The Heart Connection Children’s Cancer Programs, and is critically important to its support for children with cancer in Iowa.  “Brant’s Great Pumpkin Race” is a road race in its third year and also features family friendly activities and entertainment.  The combination of both runs is exciting for the organization and the participants.  “We tried to come up with the best case scenario for the runners and participants,” said Executive Director, Mark Slocum.  “By combining our registered runners with another wonderful family oriented run that has established itself as a great fall race, we felt confident that we could enhance Brant’s Race and provide a new and fun outlet for our loyal running base.”

The Heart Connection Children's Cancer Programs is a non-profit organization that enhances the quality of life for children with cancer by providing programs for recreation, education, and family support.  Founded in 1988, the organization is most well know for hosting two week-long summer camps each year—one for children with cancer and another for their siblings.  The oncology camp is the only one of its kind in Iowa, and the sibling camp is one of only a handful offered nationwide.  Additionally, The Heart Connection Children’s Cancer Programs hosts events throughout the year for families and provides support at both Blank Children’s Hospitals and The University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics.  The Heart Connection Children’s Cancer Programs serves children treated and/or diagnosed with cancer in Iowa.  Each year, programs touch some 150 children with cancer and another 450 family members.

                To learn more about The Heart Connection Children’s Cancer Programs, please visit www.ChildrensCancerPrograms.com or call 515-243-6239.

- # -

"Run For Your Life" Walk/Run to benefit the Iowa Heart Foundation

August 16, 2008

Des Moines Water Works Park

Make plans to attend "Run For Your Life" walk/run to be held on August 16, 2008 at Des Moines Water Works Park.  This event is being hosted by healthcare workers who want to show their support to heart patients and their families.  The goal is raise money to help provide communities in Iowa with the education and tools they need to live a HEART healthy lifestyle.  Race day will begin with a 5k and a 3K run and a walk of up to 3 miles to follow.  After the event there will be entertainment. Please invite all of your family and friends to participate.  You can register by clicking here.  (Pre Registration is required, the registration deadline is August 8th.)  Donations can be mailed to The Iowa Heart Foundation Walk/Run 5880 University Avenue Suite 101, West Des Moines, IA 50266.  Packet/Gift Bag pickup will be Friday August 15 from 5PM-8PM at Valley West Mall. For a mail-in brochure for registration, click here.

--------------------------------------------------------------------