Widefield students host 5K to benefit Make-A-Wish

It was a cold morning for a run, but students didn’t let the weather stop them from making a difference.

The Widefield High School student cabinet hosted a 5K fundraiser Sunday morning to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“It’s all to support a girl named Shamariah,”Widefield junior and event organizer Makayla Shoup said. “We’re trying to help grant her wish to meet Minnie Mouse.”

Shamariah,4, has been diagnosed with Wilms’ tumor, a rare kidney cancer.

When Widefield students heard about Shamariah’s battle, they wanted to help turn her dream into reality.

“We’re trying to raise as much money as possible this school year to send her to Disney World,” freshman and 5K participant Ian Dale said. “I think they’ve done a really great job of encouraging people to get out here and help out with her cause.”

Despite snow and cold temperatures, people showed up to fund raise and run.

“I was actually really surprised to see how much spirit and how much support we’re getting from our community,”Shoup said.

On average, it costs $7,500 to grant a wish through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The students have raised about $5,000 forShamariah’s wish.