VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — For the 19th time, Virginia Beach high school students organized a "Love Run" benefitting Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters Saturday.
The CHKD Love Run began in 2004, when Princess Anne High School's SCA president was diagnosed with cancer and was admitted to CHKD for treatment. After he was discharged, he wanted to give back to the staff that helped him through his illness and organized the first Love Run.
Each year since, the Love Run has been dedicated to a new person. This year, it was Abby Furco. who passed away from cancer in 2021 at 15 years old.
More than 300 people signed up for the 5k and 1-mile Fun Run, organizers tell News 3.
Kellam High School, where Abby attended, also joined in this year. Cox High School had already previously joined organizing efforts in 2013.
"We were able to unite this community even more by bringing in another school from the opposite side of town," said Brady Dunn, Princess Anne High School sophomore and Love Run organizer.
For Abby's family, seeing such a joyful event being held in her honor is a gesture that won't soon be forgotten.
"Celebration, happiness. That was Abby, is Abby, and seeing it here is just...It makes me happy too," said Patty Furco, Abby's mother.
Student organizers tell News 3 this year's fundraising goal was $20,000; a goal they were close to meeting before the races started.
