For one of the Semiahmoo Peninsula’s youngest residents, this Sunday’s Peace Arch Hospital Great Pumpkin Run and Walk is extra special as it’s a chance to give back to the people who took care of her best friend.
Four-year-old Evangelina Starycki says she is willing to run as fast as her legs will take her at the Oct. 21 event, to thank the staff who took care of her grandfather who was diagnosed with a gastrointestinal stromal tumor – a very rare form of cancer.
“This past year my family has become very familiar with the Peace Arch Hospital and its staff because my Grandpa (who is also my best friend) has undergone many procedures and surgeries for Gist Cancer. He’s home now recovering from his last surgery and is doing great thanks to all the wonderful doctors and nurses at Peace Arch,” Starycki wrote to the Peace Arch News Wednesday.
Seeing firsthand the care Starycki’s grandfather received at the hospital inspired her mother to organize Team Starycki with a goal to raise $500 for the hospital.
This year, organizers aim to raise $75,000 for the hospital’s ER.
In the last five years, the event has raised more than $115,000 for the hospital. Opening ceremonies are slated to start at 8:45 a.m., Oct. 21.
For more information on how to donate or about the event, visit www.greatpumpkinrunwalk.com