100 Mile Challenge expanding to Columbus in effort to end childhood cancer

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A Cincinnati based non-profit known as CancerFree KIDS is expanding its work to Columbus. Just in time for National Childhood Cancer Awareness month, the organization is working to get the community involved in the fight against childhood cancer.

“We need to be laser focused on finding a way to go upstream and stop childhood cancer,” said Melissa Jackson, the Columbus director of CancerFree KIDS. You can help through their 100 Mile Challenge. The goal is to raise $100 while also completing 100 miles worth of exercise.

“It doesn’t have to be running. There is a conversion chart. You can pickleball, swim or just get your steps in,” said Jackson. The money raised will go towards research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.

“Essentially we partner with the researchers there and they provide all of the different research topics and things that they want to dive into and then we help with our scientific review counsel to choose the best science and the best work to fund,” she said.

Jackson knows how tolling it can be on children because her daughter was diagnosed with cancer at 2 years old. Now she is 9 and healthy. She says some of that is thanks to Nationwide and Cincinnati Children’s Hospitals. That’s what inspires Jackson to give back.

“It’s a way for us parents that are struggling to find a way to make something good out of this and their journey,” she said. You can learn more about their mission and find out how to sign up here.