Circle of Care's Annual Walk/Run for Kids With Cancer

Walk/Run Registration

10:00AM EDT 1:00PM EDT

MAKE TRACKS with us!💜👟

Sign up now to take meaningful steps for kids with cancer. Walk with your crew. Run for the challenge, form a team... however you want to participate. Show up in gold🎗️or purple to stand with families facing the unimaginable right here in Connecticut.

Whether you're lacing up in honor, in memory, or in support, every step you take matters.

Presented by ASML, Make Tracks isn’t just a walk or run—it’s a powerful show of unity during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Your participation helps raise critical awareness and vital funds to support families who have heard the words no parent should: “Your child has cancer.”

🚨 Please note: No dogs or alcohol are permitted at Sherwood Island State Park for this event. There will be no on-site registration. Children 9 and under register for free; families of 4 or more can take advantage of special family pricing. Register now! Prices increase on 8/1, 9/1, and 9/19

Meet Cemari... Our 2026 Champion

Introducing Cemari, our 2026 Make Tracks ambassador! 💜

Since Cemari was diagnosed with leukemia in March 2025, Circle of Care has had the privilege of getting to know her and her family, sharing holidays, special moments, and everyday days along the way.

She has had to leave preschool, miss time playing with other kids to protect her suppressed immune system, and endure treatments that have left her too tired or in too much pain for many of the things she loves. But through it all, we’ve gotten to know a funny, determined little girl who loves cats, her Abby doll, and, thankfully for all of us at Circle of Care, the color purple! Most importantly, we’ve learned just how much fight this newly-five-year-old warrior has in her.

Cemari and her family will be at the heart of our 12th Annual Make Tracks for Kids with Cancer Walk/Run as our 2026 ambassadors, where hundreds will gather to walk and run alongside them and others in our Circle.

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the impact reaches far beyond treatment. For Cemari’s family, it has meant three siblings adjusting to a new normal, a mom stepping away from work to care for her, and Cemari’s “superhero,” her dad, balancing providing for their family with being there for his daughter as much as he possibly can.

A childhood cancer diagnosis changes life for the entire family, and they need people in their corner through it all. That’s why we Make Tracks: for every family in our Circle navigating childhood cancer.

Walk. Run. Create a team. Fundraise. Donate. Your participation helps ensure families like Cemari’s have the support they need throughout the journey.

What to Expect...

8:30 AM: Check-In Opens
Enjoy music and mingling with our Health & Wellness exhibitors before our ceremony begins

Fill out your "Why I CARE" bib, accessorize with temporary tattoos, and, if you have raised $100 or more, pick up your individual fundraising prize.

9:30 AM: Check-In Closes
Be sure to check in before 9:30, as we turn all attention to our opening ceremony.

9:45 AM: Opening Ceremony Begins
Gather for our Opening Ceremony featuring our 2026 Make Tracks Champion, Cemari - a 5-year-old childhood cancer survivor being honored at our event!

10:00 AM: Race Start
Runners take off first for their chip-timed 5K, and walkers follow behind for a relaxed walk along the same route.

10:30 AM - 1 PM: Have Fun!
As you make your way back into the party, you can visit with our Wellness Village (including offerings from Athleto Pilates, Casey McBride Yoga, La Fina Granola, Trader Joe's, Outback Steakhouse, SDSS Martial Arts, Stewie the Duck Swim School, Squeeze Massage, Revity3, and more!). Meet the Circle of Care team, enjoy music from our DJ, and enjoy offerings from Naples Pizza and Winfield Coffee.

About Circle of Care💜

Circle of Care is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families facing childhood cancer. Founded in 2003 by parents of children with cancer, Circle of Care has supported over 4,000 families with critical financial, emotional, and practical support. We assist families across Connecticut, as well as those receiving treatment at our partner hospitals in New York and Massachusetts. Our mission is to ensure that no family faces the emotional and financial burdens of childhood cancer alone. To learn more, please visit our website: thecircleofcare.org

FUNdraising!🏆

Registering is the first step toward making a difference for families of children with cancer. When you sign up, a personalized fundraising page is automatically created for you to use and share. We encourage all participants to consider fundraising this year—even a few donations from friends and family can make a meaningful impact when we work together.

Your fundraising page is an opportunity to share your story, whether you're participating in honor or memory of someone special, supporting a loved one, or simply inspired by Circle of Care's mission.

Participants who raise $100 or more will receive a commemorative prize (to be announced soon).

Want to make an even bigger impact? Create or join a team! Individual fundraisers can join forces with friends, family, coworkers, or community groups to work toward a shared goal. Teams are a fun way to participate together, increase your collective impact, and enjoy a little friendly competition along the way.