Hundreds of Santa Clarita residents came out to College of the Canyons on Saturday to take part in the Michael Hoefflin Foundation’s 2019 “Walk For Kids With Cancer” event.

The ninth annual “Walk for Kids With Cancer” attracted hundreds of Santa Clarita residents to celebrate the lives of children and their families who have been affected by children’s cancer.

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The foundation provides grant funding for innovative pediatric cancer research, programs for outreach, family support, and public education related to childhood cancer, according to the Michael Hoefflin Foundation (MHF) website.

“Your support today and the money we’re about to raise is crucial to our ability to fund programs.” said Frank Oviedo, MHF Co-Chair and Santa Clarita’s Assistant City Manager, during the opening ceremony. “The Michael Hoefflin Foundation is a grassroots organization that is lucky to have support of so many caring individuals, companies and organizations.”

During the event, participants had the opportunity to join a 5K walk with the team they registered with, or to walk individually in an effort to raise funds to support the foundation. The largest team numbered over 200, a new record for the event, according to officials.

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2019 Walk Ambassador Kailyn and her parents also came onto the stage during the opening proceedings. Kailyn, who turned 5 last month, was diagnosed with high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia in June of 2017, and spent a month in hospital while under treatment.

“Throughout this big, scary journey, the Michael Hoefflin Foundation has offered so much comfort to our little family and they will always be so close to our hearts,” Kailyn’s mother said.

MHF founders Sue and Chris Hoefflin made a final statement to the gathered crowd, explaining how their own family’s experience with pediatric cancer inspired them to help others.

“Since 1995, we have had thousands and thousands of volunteers, hundreds and hundreds of families, and incredible donors.” Chris Hoefflin said. “We feel so good because we’re helping, we’re making new friends, and we’re doing what we can as good people.”

Families released dozens of white balloons before the official start, each one representing a child lost to cancer.

Related: Michael Hoefflin Foundation Walkers Fight Children’s Cancer At COC

Those who raised $100 or more received a limited edition Michael Hoefflin Foundation t-shirt specially made for the 2019 “Walk for Kids with Cancer”, according to event organizers.

Jade Aubuchon/KHTS News

All participants received a complimentary gift, and an award is set to be given to the top individual fundraiser and top team fundraisers, according to officials.

A silent auction and raffle are set to continue during the event, with drawings later Saturday afternoon.

In 2017, the event brought together over 1,000 participants and raised over $95,000 dollars, according to a previous KHTS story.

This year, over $84,000 of the $100,000 goal had been raised as of Saturday morning, with more funds pouring in as the event continues. The total amount raised is expected to be released sometime next week.

“Please realize that by being here you’ve done some really wonderful things.” said Hoefflin.

For more information on the Michael Hoefflin Foundation, click here.

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