Donny Osmond: A Hero To Critically Ill Children and Their Families
Examiner
by Debbie Hall
October 17, 2011
Donny Osmond demonstrated his commitment to Las Vegas as his second home Oct. 15 when he hosted the Danny Gans Memorial Champions Run for Life at Discovery Park in Henderson, Nev.
Runners, walkers and community supporters competed in the 5K run, 1-mile fun run/walk, and Centipede team race to benefit Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation. Osmond ran the 1-mile fun run/walk.
After the run, Osmond said, “I think we have 40 kids out here really fighting for their lives so we are honoring and celebrating their courage by raising money for the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation.”
When asked by he got involved, Osmond said, “The Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation does so many great things. I went up to a place called Camp Cartwheel where they have all of these activities and they help these children who are suffering so much and fighting for their lives and they wake up every day wondering, ‘how much pain am I going to be in?’ We take (being pain free) for granted but you go to a place like Camp Cartwheel and you see these volunteers what they do to help these kids how to love and enjoy their surroundings. It’s a great organization.”
Following the 5K, there was an inspirational mini-run for children with critical illnesses called the Champions Run for Life with children with ages ranging from 14 months to 22-years-old competing in this year’s event. These brave children with life-threatening illnesses ran, walked or wheeled themselves around the bases with Osmond joining them to cheers from mascots, cheerleaders, family and friends. The children then received a special medal for bravery in their battle against disease.
(Note: Photographer Gabe Ginsberg was there and will be posting his story and photos about this special event on the Examiner soon.)
“By being a part of this whole thing today,” Osmond said, “it really does help these kids.”
In addition to the run, a family friendly event offered food, drinks, raffle drawings, bounce houses and entertainment.
The late Danny Gans was a headliner on the Las Vegas Strip where he was billed as "The Man of Many Voices." He had been named Las Vegas Entertainer of the Year and his production had also been awarded Show of the Year. Casino mogul Steve Wynn first built the Danny Gans Showroom at the Mirage Hotel and Casino and then moved Gans and his showroom to Encore Las Vegas. Gans passed away May 1, 2009, five months after Encore Las Vegas opened.
Osmond is currently appearing in The Donny and Marie Show at Flamingo Las Vegas. For more information, visit www.donnyandmarie.com
For more information about Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation, visit www.nvccf.org. |
