Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Paige's Butterfly Run Donates $240,000 to Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital

John Smith
/
WAER News

  Cupcakes crowned with multi-colored frosting with butterfly rings capped off a check presentation at the Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital in Syracuse on Wednesday.  Even sweeter was a $240,000 check from Paige’s Butterfly Run fundraiser held last summer and from events held throughout the year. It’s the largest gift to the hospital’s pediatric's unit received this year.  Paige Yeomans Arnold, whom the fund is named after, died of complications of her treatment for Leukemia in 1994. Her parents Chris Arnold  and Ellen Yeoman began the run in honor of Paige 18 years ago on a shoe-string budget.

" Transitioning now to 2015, we never would have imagined the event would have grown this way. It's been a labor of love and it's been a wonderful therapy for Ellen and I with respect to being parents of losing a child. To be able to help other families today for the support that we give, but then to also to fund research to tomorrow's patients. We feel strongly that both need to be supported."

The money raised will go towards pediatric cancer research, better treatments and support for patients and families. Now the process begins to decide how the money will be distributed.

" For example last year's gift of $224,000; a 100,000 went to research. The balance of $124,000 was split between family assistant funds, to help families who have financial difficulties while their child is here, and a fun fund, which is there to help a child life specialist some good times while they are here to lighten their days."

One of the first items newly diagnosed patients and their families receive is a “back-pack comfort kit” containing gift cards for food and gas and other items.  Events connected to Paige’s Butterfly Run brings year-round awareness about Pediatric Cancer.  Next year’s run and walk will be held Saturday June 4th during a “Taste of Syracuse.”  For more information visit pbrun.org