Early on Saturday morning, Cassie Santhuff and a cast of hundreds gathered at Fulton’s Memorial Park for the second-annual Super Hero 5K & 1 Mile Run Run.
Santhuff and her husband, Matt, founded the Super Sam Foundation as result of their son’s battle with cancer to raise money for pediatric cancer research, she said.
“The money goes to support heroes in the fight — kids fighting any life-altering illness,†Santhuff added. “We will be funding our first $50,000 pediatric cancer research grant this year.â€
The foundation also has provided more than 1,100 comfort packs to children locally and across the country, she said, adding she knows first-hand the struggle children and their families go through when fighting devastating diseases.
“Sam was my son, and we lost him 1 1/2 years ago,†Santhuff added. “He prayed every day for all the kids.â€
Packs for the “hero†children contain soft blankets, stuffed animals and a movie. Packs also are furnished for siblings, an idea furnished by Santhuff’s daughter, Ava.
“They include crazy socks, a journal and small stuffed animals,†Santuff said, adding the foundation also creates Super Mom packs with items moms might need.
People can learn more about the foundation and donate online at: Supersamfoundation.com.