Lizzy's Walk of Faith 5K Raised $200,000
The ninth annual event in Columbia supported pediatric cancer research and awareness initiatives.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Hundreds of participants gathered in Columbia for the ninth annual Lizzy's Walk of Faith 5K. The event raised $200,000 to fund pediatric cancer research efforts.
Why it matters
The 5K honors the legacy of Lizzy Wampler by providing critical financial support for organizations dedicated to fighting childhood cancer. It serves as a community-driven effort to advance awareness and treatment research.
Lizzy's Walk of Faith Foundation successfully raised $200,000 during its ninth annual iteration this year. These funds are allocated to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, The Osteosarcoma Institute, and the foundation itself.
The players
John and Jennifer Wampler
They are the founders of the Lizzy's Walk of Faith 5K and the associated foundation.
Lizzy Wampler
She was a young advocate who passed away from osteosarcoma in 2018.
St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital
This is a leading pediatric treatment and research facility supported by the event.
The Osteosarcoma Institute
This organization focuses on advancing research and clinical trials for osteosarcoma patients.
Lizzy's Walk of Faith Foundation
This nonprofit entity manages the annual fundraising event and cancer research donations.
The details
Founded by John and Jennifer Wampler, the event encourages runners and walkers to support pediatric cancer awareness and research. The initiative carries out the mission established after Lizzy Wampler passed away from osteosarcoma.
Timeline
Lizzy Wampler died of osteosarcoma in 2018.
The ninth annual 5K event took place on September 26, 2026.
Market Landscape
The event follows a pattern set by the 2018 death of Lizzy Wampler in which community organizers turn personal loss into sustained charitable action. This nonprofit activity reflects the growing trend of family-led foundations securing research funding for specific rare diseases.
Residents of Columbia can support pediatric cancer research by participating in or donating to this annual community run. The funds directly bolster medical organizations working to improve outcomes for children fighting cancer.
The takeaway
Organizing or participating in local charity runs offers a tangible way for communities to contribute to specialized medical research. Donors can continue to track the foundation's annual progress to see how their contributions support cancer treatment advancements.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts by visiting the Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KOMU 8.
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