Hundreds of East Texans converged on Tyler Saturday morning for the annual Gold Network of East Texas 5K and 1K Fun Run, a community event dedicated to honoring childhood cancer fighters and celebrating young survivors. The gathering aimed to rally support for local pediatric cancer survivors, referred to as “heroes,” as part of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
The Gold Network of East Texas, a local nonprofit, supports families navigating childhood cancer throughout the year. The organization provides vital care packages, emotional encouragement, and community connection to those impacted. The event's emcee was KLTV 7’s Blake Holland.
Among the survivors participating was Matt Rodriguez, who ran the 1K for a friend and marked a significant personal milestone. Rodriguez celebrated his fourth year cancer-free on September 13th of this month. His mother recounted his diagnosis with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) on Valentine’s Day in 2020, which led to two and a half years of chemotherapy, lumbar punctures, and numerous hospital visits. His mother expressed gratitude, stating, “We are so thankful that God walked with us through this and he never left our side.”
Thirteen-year-old Jace Curtis also shared a story of resilience at the event. Curtis was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of three. He expressed thanks for his healing journey, noting it was special to run alongside friends who understand the challenges of cancer. While survivors proudly wore shirts identifying them as heroes, many other community members joined in, on foot and on wheels, to ensure that no local family faces the fight against pediatric cancer alone. Steven Sizemore and his son, for example, participated in the 5K, joining a crowd of supporters cheering for the fighters through every mile.
For Savannah Tippett, crossing the finish line of the 1-mile walk represented an emotional triumph. Last year, Tippett was diagnosed with a brain tumor, undergoing surgery, intensive physical therapy, and chemotherapy, which temporarily led to a loss of mobility. Less than a year after entering remission, Savannah set and achieved the goal of completing the 1-mile walk on her own. Her father credited her achievement to “lots and lots of work and determination. Her unwillingness to give up, that’s it,” he said, adding that she was determined to complete her goal this year.
The Gold Network of East Texas has deep roots in the community. Its founder, Heather Rucker, established the organization in 2014 after her seven-month-old son, Sawyer, was diagnosed with leukemia. Feeling isolated by the lack of local pediatric cancer support services at the time, Rucker collaborated with two other mothers to launch an initial 5K event to raise awareness. A decade later, that single run has grown into the comprehensive Gold Network of East Texas.
Organizers underscored that while the race day is a celebration, the ongoing fight against pediatric cancer requires continuous attention. Rucker stated that “Childhood cancer never takes a break” and emphasized the mission to “stay gold year-round.” The organization continues its efforts beyond Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
