Colorful banners, signs and a cheering crowd motivated the participants of the 39th annual Champions Fund for Life “Torch Run” in Long Beach.
Hundreds of children with cancer and serious blood disorders, along with survivors and families honoring loved ones, participated in the run on Saturday, June 13. The event raised funds to support expanded treatment programs and research at the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute at Long Beach’s Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital.
Participants triumphantly carried an Olympic-style torch – a symbol of hope for a cure – during the relay race around the Lions Lighthouse at Shoreline Aquatic Park, according to a press release.
Sponsors, community supporters, and volunteers lined the waterfront cheering as each child, survivor, and family took on the “Torch Run.” Whether running, walking or wheeling along the course, participants were met with waves of applause, creating a heartwarming atmosphere of camaraderie and hope, organizers said.
The Suazo family runs with 6-year-old Kataleya, who is in remission from Ewing sarcoma, a soft tissue cancer, celebrating her recent kindergarten graduation and upcoming first-grade year at the 39th annual Champion’s Run for Life “Torch Run” on Saturday, June 13, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital)
Braelynne, 14, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at 2-months-old, spends her 14th year with Miller Children’s & Women’s at the 39th annual Champion’s Run for Life “Torch Run” on Saturday, June 13, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital)
Surrounded by colorful banners, signs and orange clappers, Nathen’s family runs in support of the 13-year-old, who is undergoing cancer treatment at the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute, during the 39th annual Champions Run for Life “Torch Run” on Saturday, June 13, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital)
The Romero family carries a photo with angel wings in memory of 15-year-old Rafael Jr. Romero, who passed away in April 2023, during the Champions Run for Life “Torch Run” on Saturday, June 13, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital)
Seven-year-old Jerry, a patient at the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute, lifts a torch as supporters cheer him on during the 39th annual Champions Run for Life “Torch Run” on Saturday, June 13, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital)
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The Suazo family runs with 6-year-old Kataleya, who is in remission from Ewing sarcoma, a soft tissue cancer, celebrating her recent kindergarten graduation and upcoming first-grade year at the 39th annual Champion’s Run for Life “Torch Run” on Saturday, June 13, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital)
This was the Suazo family’s third Champions Run for Life “Torch Run,” and they were celebrating six-year-old Kataleya, who is two years in remission from Ewing sarcoma, a rare form of pediatric soft tissue cancer.
“Kataleya just graduated kindergarten and is heading to first grade,” Ashley Suazo, Kataleya’s mother, said in a statement. “She’s healthy, she gets to be with her friends, and that is such a blessing. We are so thankful to the physicians at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital for her healing, and for hosting events like this to honor children in treatment, in remission and those we have lost.”
The day highlighted countless personal milestones – from former patients celebrating 17 years in remission to current patients marking treatment progress, to families honoring loved ones, organizers said. Each participant led their team of supporters, waving posters and banners, with many dressed in vibrant attire.
Following the relay, families gathered for a picnic, music and carnival games by the waterfront, according to a press release.
“At the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute, we celebrate our champions every day, but this event allows us to come together with families and care teams in a truly special way,” Annie Santos, program director of the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute, said in a statement. “Champions Run for Life ‘Torch Run’ is our signature fundraising event, and every participant helps provide critical support for our patient programs and family-centered care.”
The Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital provides comprehensive, compassionate care for children with cancer, sickle cell disease and other serious blood disorders, according to its website.
Funds raised through the Champions Run for Life “Torch Run” support a range of psychosocial care, including the School Reintegration Program and Art Therapy, which are integrated into care to help children and families navigate every stage of the cancer journey.