The Bone Dash 5K and Monster Mile featured snacks, Halloween costumes, plenty of candy, and a plethora of support for children in the community battling rheumatic diseases.

All funds raised from the race go to the Joining Hands Pediatric Rheumatology Support Group at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

“Seeing our community come together for the Bone Dash was nothing short of incredible,” said Taylor Mattson.

Mattson’s son, Liam, is a patient at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

Liam has STING-associated vasculopathy with onset in infancy (SAVI), which is a genetic autoinflammatory disorder. Liam is only one of 88 patients to have been diagnosed with the rare disease worldwide, although the Bone Dash works to raise awareness for children battling all rheumatic conditions.

“It’s such an amazing event,” Mattson said. “Any way to create awareness and conversation about Pediatric Rheumatology and what it is and how it affects kiddos [is] such a cool thing to be a part of.”

This is the fourth annual Bone Dash 5K, and many members of the community came out in support during the joint event. The University of Iowa’s A Moment of Magic Organization were also in attendance, primarily dressed as popular Disney princesses and other characters.

A few signs were also displayed across the Timber Lodge Dome, highlighting a few of the children that were supported as a result of the Bone Dash. Pumpkin painting, face painting, and crafts also awaited visitors after the race.

Overall, Mattson says that she is grateful for the love shown by the Solon community for her son and every other local child with rheumatic conditions.

“The amount of heart, energy, and generosity poured into supporting pediatric rheumatology patients reminds us just how powerful small towns can be when we rally for something bigger than ourselves,” Mattson said.