Candlelighters Ambassadors to attend Superhero 5K

Every year the Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada recognizes local children with cancer to be ambassadors for its annual Superhero 5K with Chet Buchanan at Mountain’s Edge. They’re chosen for their courage in dealing with cancer and inspiring others. These brave children, along with hundreds of others and their families battling childhood cancer, depend on the support of the nonprofit Candlelighters for various emotional assistance, quality of life and financial support programs.

This year’s Superhero Ambassadors are Alexa Garin, 7, who has kidney cancer, and James Kish, 10, who has a brain tumor. The Angel Ambassador is Cooper Ricciardi, who was 18 years old when he lost his battle with leukemia.

Upon discovering Alexa’s cancer in December 2015, her family remained a team to help Alexa beat her cancer with positivity, prayer and love and continuing to live their lives. Alexa has remained a pillar of strength and looks forward to becoming an actress, dancer and singer.

Two weeks after his seventh birthday, James was rushed to the emergency room, and his cancer was discovered. After two brain surgeries, 33 sessions of radiation, two years of nightly chemo pills and two years of inpatient chemotherapy, he beat the odds and is a cancer survivor. James is now playing soccer and training his new golden retriever, Zeke, to become a therapy dog that he can take to the hospital to visit other children.

In 2016, Cooper was one of 19 children in Southern Nevada who died from a form of childhood cancer. He loved spending time with his family and friends, and he loved playing basketball, video games and the card game Uno. Cooper was active and curious about everything. He was hilarious, kind and loving.

The Superhero 5K is the Candlelighters’ largest fundraiser of the year, and it will be held Sept. 15 at the 80-acre Exploration Park at 9275 S. Buffalo Drive, south of the Mountain’s Edge main entrance.

Registration deadlines are Sept. 14 by 5 p.m. for online registration, or in person on race day at 6:30 a.m. For registration and information, visit www.candlelightersnv.org or 702-737-1919.

Superhero 5K festivities will include a hosted beer garden from Ellis Island, opening and awards ceremonies, Kids Zone, booths, music, food and refreshments, bone marrow drive and raffle prizes. Costumes are encouraged, and well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome.

Attendees also can enjoy Exploration Park’s many amenities, including a water play area, replicas of a Western town and Indian village and playground, replica of an archaeology dig site, picnic areas and walking and hiking trails.

Developed by Focus Property Group, Mountain’s Edge has ranked among the country’s best-selling master plans. For more information, call 702-898-5777 or visit www.mountainsedge.com.