Charity’s Promise: Running for Kids In Need

Community Stories

·Apr 30th, 2026

Running with Purpose

Team Starlight runner Charity cares deeply for kids, especially her students. As an educator, she was moved by Starlight’s mission because she thought how Starlight could positively impact them if they were hospitalized for a serious illness.

“The fact that Starlight’s mission is all about making lives easier for kids as they're going through some of the most challenging times - I'm in. I'm definitely in,” Charity shares.

The Starlight program that speaks to Charity’s heart the most is the Starlight Toy Deliveries program, which distributes the LEGO® MRI scanner sets. Having experienced an MRI herself, she understands how scary it can be being in a loud and closed space.

“It’s amazing, kids can build their own [LEGO MRI Scanner] and understand, ‘Okay, this is how it will be, so it’s not going to be that bad.’”

Charity Team Starlight Halloween Race 1x1 — Charity at the Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend running with Team Starlight.

As a charity runner with Team Starlight, Charity helps fundraise to deliver programs like these to kids across the country.

She’s done three different races with team, and when asked what motivates her to keep coming back, she said it’s because there will always be kids who are hospitalized.

Charity shares:

“As long as there are children in need and I’m wanting to run, then Starlight is going to be my first choice because it just makes sense. It just works."

Charity with Mile Sign 1x1 — Charity running with Team Starlight at the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend.

Meaningful Connections & Personal Reflections

One of Charity’s most meaningful experiences with Team Starlight has been the brunch that happens post-race.

“It’s nice to be able to see who my teammates are and hear some of their stories and why they do this too,” Charity says.

Throughout her experience, she's discovered new things about herself too - including the connection she feels with her supporters.

Become a Team Starlight Charity Runner

Charity is one of the 550+ passionate Team Starlight runners who are making an impact for seriously ill kids. Still, more support is needed to help kids get through the toughest trials of their lives.

Hospitalized kids are counting on community members like you to smile, feel happy and just be a kid.