HUNTLEY – The life of Carter Kettner will be remembered in a 5K and special 2K “Superhero Run” on Mother’s Day – Sunday, May 12.
Kettner, who was diagnosed at age five with an inoperable malignant brainstem glioma and lost his battle with the cancer a little more than a year later, would always have a funny joke to tell or a smile on his face – nothing that would remind you of the terrible journey he was on.
“He really was our own superhero,” Colleen Madeya, director of marketing for Cancer Kiss My Cooley, said.
The foundation itself, Cancer Kiss My Cooley, was a phrase Carter would often utter during his treatment; cooley being an Italian slang term for “rear end.”
The 5K will fall on the third anniversary of Carter’s death – but Madeya said it is anything but a memorial. Rather, it’s a celebration of who he was.
Funds raised will go toward the foundation in an attempt to provide others with a “Kiss of Hope,” a featured program.
“What really helped Carter and his family when he was sick was the generosity of others. People wanted to make special moments for him and his family as they were struggling. Those special memories were the things that got them through it – and his parents decided they wanted to create special moments for other families,” Madeya said regarding the ‘Kiss of Hope.’
“We have a handful of kids that we’ve helped so far and a handful still in the program that we’re still kind of in the planning phases with.”
The “Kiss of Hope” given usually revolves around something important in that child’s life – for instance, Madeya said one boy, a Huntley resident, loved Navy Pier. The foundation sent him and his family to the Chicago attraction. “We usually find out what’s special with the kid and build that Kiss of Hope for them.”
This will be the first time Carter is remembered through a 5K. It’s the foundation’s first annual run, but Madeya hopes it will not be the last.
“We’ve always had a strong neighborhood presence, but we’re really hoping to get this out there so we can help raise money for more children who are fighting cancer,” she said.
The 5K currently has about 135 signed up, but the sky’s the limit. “We’re not really sure what to expect. Our goal is just for people to come out and have a nice time celebrating, whether their family is little or big,” Madeya said.
The “Superhero 2K” is geared toward children ages 13 and under. Those participants are encouraged to don a costume of their favorite superhero. There will be a prize for best costume.
In addition to the two races, there will be raffle prizes, some live entertainment, face painting, and free post-race massages.
Registration is available until May 11 online at cancerkissmycooley.org/cooleyrun with a $30 fee for the 5K and a $15 fee for the 2K. Registration will still be available on race day from 6:30 to 7:15 a.m., but the fees will increase by $5.
The race itself will take place at Betsey Warrington Park at 8 a.m., with the 2K following at 9 a.m. Packet pickup will begin on race day at 6:30 a.m.
• For more information about the race, or to see other events the foundation is planning, visit their website, www.cancerkissmycooley.org/
