The Mission We Serve
At Running for Dreams, our mission reaches directly into the lives of children who have lost a parent to cancer. In the midst of profound grief, these young lives often lose more than just a loved one—they lose pieces of their childhood, opportunities for joy, and sometimes the activities that once defined their normal.
We believe that when a child faces the unimaginable, they shouldn’t have to give up the experiences that shape their development and bring them happiness. Whether it’s continuing with sports, pursuing new interests, or creating meaningful memories, these moments matter deeply.
Our foundation steps in when the support system needs support. We provide funding for extracurricular activities, create special experiences, and offer resources that help children maintain moments of childhood wonder during their healing journey.
Each child’s story below represents a promise kept—a commitment to ensuring that while cancer may take a parent, it doesn’t have to take away a child’s chance to still be a child. Through your support, we’ve been able to help these remarkable young people continue pursuing their dreams, even in the shadow of loss.
Who We’ve Helped
Colton Crochet, age 10, recently lost his father Darren to lung cancer. Running for Dreams provided him with a year-long membership to D1 Training, helping him find
physical activity and potential mentorship during this difficult transition.
Zachary and Laynee Daunis, passionate Saints fans like Phil himself, lost their father to cancer. Running for Dreams arranged a personal tour of the Saints facility and later sent Layne and her mother to New York for a dream getaway where they ran a race together.
Brynna Hocke-Hendry, at just 7 years old, was grappling with the loss of her father and a classmate. Running for Dreams covered a year of cheerleading tuition, providing a much-needed outlet for Brynna’s grief.
Nathan Hamrick tragically lost both parents in quick succession. His wish was to fulfill his late father’s desire of taking his grandmother to her home state of New York, a healing journey that Running for Dreams made possible.
Kiera Magee lost her mother to cervical cancer in 2017. After our first Phil Phest, Running for Dreams provided her with a 3-year college stipend, helping support her educational journey at OU. Kiera is pursuing nursing, so that she may help people like her mother.
Is there a child you know who could benefit from our help? Fill out the form below, or shoot us an email: Info@RunningforDreams.com