CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas \u2014 Capes, costumes and community spirit filled the streets this weekend as hundreds gathered to support children in foster care through CASA of the Coastal Bend.<\/p>\n
Around 500 participants took part in the organization\u2019s annual Superhero 5K, transforming a fun run into a show of support for children who need a voice.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s 5Ks every weekend, right? And this one\u2019s special because it\u2019s for a great cause,\u201d said race winner Joshua Greses. \u201cNot to mention it\u2019s fun. We get to dress up as superheroes and just kind of live free.\u201d<\/p>\n
The event, now in its 21st year, raises funds and awareness for CASA\u2019s mission of advocating for children in the foster care system. Volunteers serve as court-appointed advocates, ensuring a child\u2019s needs are represented in court and throughout their case.<\/p>\n
Organizers say events like the Superhero 5K are critical to sustaining that work.<\/p>\n
But behind the costumes and celebration are stories that reflect the impact of that mission, including that of Angela Buckingham, a Corpus Christi mother of six.<\/p>\n
Buckingham, now nearly seven years sober, said organizations like CASA of the Coastal Bend helped change the course of her life during her struggle with addiction.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was struggling with substance abuse. I needed a village to help me get through it,\u201d Buckingham said.<\/p>\n
She described her past as \u201cpure chaos,\u201d marked by instability and isolation.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was destructive\u2026 a very lonely time in my life,\u201d she said. \u201cI was a very broken woman.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her recovery came through a combination of community programs, treatment resources and consistent support, including CASA advocates who worked alongside her family.<\/p>\n
\u201cCASA was a breath of fresh air for me,\u201d Buckingham said. \u201cThey embraced me\u2026 they truly are like angels to me.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said her advocates regularly checked in, helped assess her children\u2019s needs and ensured their well-being remained a priority.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey stepped into my world,\u201d she said. \u201cThey advocated for my kids and made sure their voices were heard.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buckingham credits her children as her primary motivation to change.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy children are the world to me,\u201d she said. \u201cI really wouldn\u2019t be here if it wasn\u2019t for them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Now a student at Del Mar College, she is working toward becoming a licensed chemical dependency counselor, with the goal of helping others overcome addiction.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen people get clean, the community gets better,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Stories like Buckingham\u2019s are why supporters say the Superhero 5K matters.<\/p>\n
\u201cWithout CASA, I honestly don\u2019t know if I would be here,\u201d Buckingham said.<\/p>\n
Organizers say CASA of the Coastal Bend serves more than 500 children each year and continues to seek volunteers to meet growing needs across the Coastal Bend.<\/p>\n
Participants and organizers alike emphasized that while the event is fun, its mission is serious: ensuring every child in foster care has someone advocating for their future.<\/p>\n
CASA officials say community members can support their work by volunteering, donating or attending future events.<\/p>\n
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