SOLON — In its second year, the Bone Dash 5k/Monster Mile event nearly doubled the number of participants from last year, and raised approximately $8,500 for the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital’s Joining Hands Pediatric Rheumatology Support Group.
“We are so thankful to everyone in the community who came out to support the kids with rheumatic disease in Iowa and the Joining Hands group. We would love to give a special shoutout to the people of Solon who helped us make this such a special event,” said co-organizer Emma Leisinger, a Pediatric Rheumatology Clinical Research Coordinator at the UIHC.”
392 participants either tackled the 5k run or ran or walked the Monster Mile, many in costumes, and all counted down to the start by the U of I’s Herky the Hawk mascot. Also in attendance were members of the 501st Legion (a group of Star Wars reenactors) including Darth Vader, clones, and a Storm Trooper among other characters.
“I think everyone was able to load up on their share of candy and treats, thank you to ARJ infusions, the Solon Lions Club, General Mills and Quaker Oats for their donations with that,” she said. “There are many other people who donated prizes and gave their time and effort (including dentists from the Dental Public Health Group, students from the Child Life program, U of I physical therapy students, and students from A Moment of Magic) to help with the event, we are so thankful to everyone!”
For more photos, turn to page 9A.
A young girl is a bit uncertain at the sight of Darth Vader.