You're invited to the 5th Annual Live like Lukas 5k Run/Walk happening Saturday, September 17th at Rockford Park in Wilmington.
Live Like Lukas’ mission is to honor Lukas Kusters, also known as “The Dutch Destroyer" and keep his memory alive by supporting families fighting childhood cancer, childhood cancer research, and local non-profit organizations that Lukas loved.
What: 5th Annual Live Like Lukas 5k Run/Walk
When: Saturday 9/17 Registration opens 8 a.m., Race Starts 9 a.m.
Where: Rockford Park 19th and Tower Drive Wilmington DE 19806, Plenty of free parking in the park and on nearby streets
How to register: Directly from their website at www.livelikelukas.org, or at https://raceroster.com/events/2022/59042/5th-annual-live-like-lukas-5k-runwalk-crushing-childhood-cancer
Cost: $30 through 9/15, $35 if you register in person the day of the event, there is also a t shirt only option for $30 for folks who want to donate but can’t attend
Awards given the day of event for:
- Awards for overall male and female
- Awards to overall male/female masters
- Awards for top 3 male/ female in age groups from 9 & under through 70 & over
- Awards to top 3 male/female walkers
- Lukas Cup and gift certificate for largest team
- Award for team with most $ raised
- Award for first finisher
Additional race amenities:
- DJ music
- T shirt for all pre-registered participants
- Post-race food and refreshments
- Photobooth
- Chiropractor on site giving pre and post-race massages
Our Mission:
Our goal is to Live Like Lukas did, every day. Lukas faced every last challenge head on. He was loving, caring and accepting of everyone! Lukas stood up for others who couldn’t stand up for themselves. Our vision is to honor him and keep his memory alive by supporting families fighting childhood cancer, childhood cancer research and local nonprofit organizations that Lukas loved.
Very brief summary of Lukas’s battle:
Lukas was diagnosed in April, 2016 with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer, at the age of 8 years old. He started out with a tumor the size of a grapefruit in his abdomen, and the cancer was also in the lining of his stomach. He was facing a difficult treatment plan including a year of chemotherapy, in addition to radiation. Almost immediately after diagnosis, things took an extremely fast, terrible turn for Lukas. His young body went through nightmare after nightmare. He spent time in a medicinal coma and almost a month with a breathing tube in. Eventually, his tumor was removed. By that time, it had grown to the size of a football. Lukas had to go through physical therapy to learn how to stand and walk again, and regain his strength.
After completing his yearlong treatment, Lukas went in for end of treatment scans. Devastatingly, we found that the cancer was back, and later found that this time, it had spread. Lukas was determined that he would no longer be held back by cancer. Quickly a new treatment plan began that sadly Lukas was not responding to. After an incredibly courageous battle, and a fight that he never gave up on, Lukas tragically passed away in his mother's arms on June 12, 2017, just four days after his tenth birthday.
You can also check out the ESPN Sports Center feature about Lukas, also known as the “Dutch Destroyer” and then Eagles Quarterback, Carson Wentz.