Jackson Dupps of Ahwatukee was not yet 2 when his parents made an appointment with their pediatrician for a constant cold, looming fever and a hard lump in his belly.
Kelli and Gregg Dupps soon heard the words that every parent dreads: your son has cancer. Jackson was diagnosed with a Stage 2 Wilms tumor in January 2013.
Within days, doctors at Phoenix Children’s Hospital removed the tumor along with one of Jackson’s kidneys. He endured a long and arduous course of radiation and chemotherapy before he was declared cancer-free in December that same year.
He is a reason why the Dupps family will be at Grand Canyon University on Saturday, March 10, for the Run to Fight Children’s Cancer presented by Children’s Cancer Network. It is the largest race in Arizona dedicated solely to pediatric cancer.
The 10K run begins at 7 a.m., followed by the 5K walk/run at 7:45 a.m. and a 9 a.m. cancer survivors walk. A post-race festival will offer a vendor expo, arts and crafts, jump castles and music.
Since 2011, the Run to Fight Childhood Cancer has attracted an estimated 17,000 participants and raised more than $500,000 for pediatric cancer research and care.
All funds benefit Arizona families through Children’s Cancer Network and Phoenix Children’s Hospital.’
“Phoenix Children’s Hospital saved Jack’s life, and Children’s Cancer Network saved the rest of our family,” said Kelli Dupps, who also credits the Ahwatukee community for getting them through this horrific experience.
Through his cancer journey and to this day, her 7-year-old son has lived up to his nickname, “Action Jackson.” He’s the toughest, coolest 7-year-old around.
Information/registration for the run: runtofightcancer.com.
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