The community gathered at Lago Mar Park for the third annual Abby Furco Color Run, a vibrant tribute to honor the life and legacy of Abby Furco.
“We sold out with 300 participants and over 130 student and adult volunteers,” Abby’s mother and race director Patty Furco said. “It has been a great success, as well as a fun way to get the community together.”
The event kicked off at 10 a.m. on Oct. 20, 2024, where runners of all ages dashed along the 5K course awaiting the color powder that would burst into the air at the finish line.
“The most magical thing for me was coming back home after being at school and seeing all my friends still coming out,” student race founder Elizabeth Castano said. “Most of them did not know Abby or the Furcos, but they still came to support the cause.”
Abby was diagnosed with Leukemia at age 4, diagnosed with heart failure in December of 2014 and had a bone marrow transplant in January of 2015. She tragically passed away in 2021 at 14 years old.
“She spent many years in the hospital fighting infections and issues,” said Furco. “Throughout all this, she never gave up.”
The event was founded two years ago by three friends of Abby, all 2024 graduates of Kellam High School. The girls teamed up with Abby’s mother to remember her life. Not only did they want to create an event that would embrace Abby’s legacy, but they also wanted to make a change by raising funds for childhood cancer patients.
“Abby and I knew each other since we were 5 years old and she was one of my closest friends,” student race founder Caroline Nelson said. “I want to honor her legacy and help kids like her.”
At the color run, the Ocean Lakes cross country team (OLXC) took charge of the water station to ensure all participants stayed hydrated and motivated.
“Abby’s older sister, Maggie, was a 2022 Ocean Lakes graduate and member of OLXC,” said Furco. “OLXC runs our water stop each year of our event, and we love the support.”
Proceeds from the color run will support Abby’s Legacy Foundation, with donations directed to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation and EDMARC, both of which provide vital assistance to childhood cancer patients and those facing life-threatening diseases.
“We surpassed our goal of raising $10,000 and raised over $12,000,” Furco said. “Both organizations served Abby during her 11-year cancer journey, and we hope to pay that forward by helping those fighting today and tomorrow.”
