Ready, set, superheroes

Participants during the first Superhero 5K in 2015 take off from the starting line. This annual run supports the Super Sam Foundation in its fight against childhood cancer.
Participants during the first Superhero 5K in 2015 take off from the starting line. This annual run supports the Super Sam Foundation in its fight against childhood cancer.

The annual Superhero 5K is the perfect time to break out your cape and running shoes.

Planned for Saturday, this annual fun run raises money for the Super Sam Foundation, a local charity aimed at fighting childhood cancer. Registration begins at 8 a.m. A 1-mile children's fun run ($15 registration fee) starts at 8:30 a.m., followed by the 5K ($25 fee) at 9:15 a.m. Children's mile participants will receive finisher medals and a drawstring bag.

There are also prizes for top finishers in age categories and overall.

"The Fulton High School pep band is going to be there this year," said Cassie Santhuff, Super Sam Foundation co-founder. "Well over 20 band members are coming out, and they'll be playing the national anthem and some superhero theme songs. Our local heroes in the fight will be there kicking off the race for us."

This year's starting line is in Memorial Park in Fulton, and the route will wind through downtown.

"The police are helping with shutting down intersections," Santhuff said. "We're expecting about 300-400 people."

New this year is a virtual 5K option ($30).

"Anyone can register for that, and we're mailing them their T-shirt, medal and number in advance," Santhuff said. "You can run or walk any time over the weekend."

Virtual participants are encouraged to share their pictures on social media using the hashtag #SSF5K.

Register at bit.ly/2GBUkrw. Donations can be made at bit.ly/2VrJZaI.

"We're encouraging everyone to come to the race, then head up the bricks and support Morels and Microbrews, too," Santhuff said. "We've partnered with them this year, and they're providing prizes for us."

Super Sam

Childhood cancer - there are 14 types and dozens of sub-types - is seen as uncommon and has been low on the federal priority list for many years. Santhuff's son Sam was diagnosed in August 2013 with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare cancer of muscles connected to bone. He was 5 years old.

Sam fought cancer for 13 months, then died in September 2014 at age 6. During his fight, he and his family grew frustrated at the lack of federal funding for childhood cancer cures. Sam repeatedly said he wanted to "help all the kids," his mom has said.

Honoring his wishes, the Santhuff family founded the Super Sam Foundation. The foundation has a two-pronged mission: Support cancer patients and their families with "comfort packs" and fund research grants to make up for the deficit caused by insufficient federal funding.

At the end of March, SSF supporters made a trip to Washington, D.C., to confront lawmakers over low funding.

"We took a group of youth ambassadors to D.C. a few weeks ago and met with all of our legislators, including Sen. Roy Blunt, who is head of the appropriations committee," Santhuff said. "You couldn't have a better person to have on our side in D.C."

The youth ambassadors all have close experiences with childhood cancer. The group also brought stories from other children who've fought cancer in Callaway County.

"These four youths really had the opportunity to use their voices," Santhuff said. "They took their personal stories of how they've been affected with childhood cancer, but they also learned about bills up for vote, so we could be specific about what our asks for support were."

Other SSF events coming soon include "Splash out Cancer," on July 3 at Oestreich Swimming Complex; and a blood drive noon-6 p.m. July 24 at First Christian Church in Fulton.