On Nov. 3, local heroes from Ballard and throughout Seattle are lacing up their running shoes to help kids at Camp Korey, a Washington camp for kids living with serious and life threatening illnesses. They will be attempting to do the NYC Marathon again this year after it was cancelled last year due to Hurricane Sandy.

Over the past five years, the team has raised more than $800,000 in support of Camp Korey through running, cycling, climbing and other athletic and community events. Funds raised help to provide the opportunity for more children living with these life altering conditions to attend Camp Korey.

Camp Korey offers kids a fun, engaging and "normal" camp experience with other children who share similiar health challenges. The campers are able to participate in activities that they otherwise wouldn't be able to, in a safe environment that emphasizes joy, growth and healing at no cost to the campers and their families.

“My son Henry was diagnosed with a Mitochondrial Disease and has been a Camp Korey camper for the past three summers," said Sam Meyer, one of the runners for Team Korey. "Camp Korey has been such a great experience for my son. He loves camp and looks forward to it every year. He has benefited so much from the care shown by all of the amazing people involved at camp. He loves the chance to just get away, engage in all kinds of fun activities and be free. Raising awareness about the camp by running for Team Korey seems like such a small thing to do to give back to Camp Korey in relation to what Camp Korey has done for my son.”

“Camp Korey has given me fun memories to hold on to – like doing the high ropes course, watching surprise fireworks, stage night and dancing with my new friends. When I think about them, it makes me smile in my day to day life,” said local camper Sophia Pook, a nine-year-old girl suffering from kidney failure.

Sophia’s mom Camille said, “Sophia has gained confidence in trying new things at camp. We are amazed at her new sense of independence. She has chance to make new friends, which hasn’t always been easy for her. Sophia wouldn’t be able to experience camp if we had to pay for it, so we’re very grateful for all the runners on Team Korey.”

To date, Team Korey has raised nearly $145,000 toward this year’s goal of $180,000 before race day. Supporters can help the team reach their goal and provide the Camp Korey experience to more children in the Northwest by donating here. Funds raised will help Camp Korey serve more than 3,000 children, at no cost to their families, this year alone.

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