Splash for a Cure - Charlottesville, Virginia - Running

The Splash for a Cure is a Running race in Charlottesville, Virginia consisting of a 5K.

A 5K Race and Pool Party all taking place at ACAC. Come run, come to the pool, or do both! Runners will start and finish the race at ACAC and get into the waterpark with their registration, plus one additional waterpark pass. Splash for a Cure has been an end-of-summer community event in Charlottesville since 2009, when Mayank and Sejal Gala hosted the first Splash for a Cure in honor of their son Ishan, who lost his courageous battle with neuroblastoma in 2008, at the age of two. In addition to the traditional pool party and games, this year we are excited to be including our second annual 5K race to the event.

Neuroblastoma is a deadly childhood cancer that primarily strikes young children and accounts for 15% of all pediatric cancer deaths. Yet very few people are aware of this horrible disease, and as a result there is very little funding available (Learn More). Since its founding, the Ishan Gala Foundation has supported innovative research and clinical trials dedicated to finding less-toxic treatment options for children with neuroblastoma.

The Ishan Gala Foundation also financially assists families while their child is going through treatment. Parents often have to leave their careers to provide around the clock care and struggle to keep up with monthly bills such as car payments, housing, and groceries. Families are not only faced with medical bills, but with each child the treatment plan varies and families may have to travel 100's-1000's of miles to get the best treatment for their child. This means paying for gas, lodging, food, and sometimes care for other children left at home to keep their lives as normal as possible.