Plans set for second annual ‘Walker’ event

The second annual “Walk, Run and Ride for Walker” will help other children battling childhood cancer. Last year’s events raised money to help pay for Walker Johns’ medical expenses while he was in the hospital.

This year’s events will be held at the Farmington High School on April 21 with registration at 8 a.m. and events beginning at 9 a.m. Events will include a one mile fun run, 5k walk/run, 10k run and 5k fun ride, and 15 mile cycle.

Johns was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, or ALL, on July 28, 2010. He was a Farmington R-7 student, and began chemotherapy on July 30, 2010. According to a family member and information available on a Facebook page, Walker’s mom, Kelly, noticed he was pale and didn’t want to go outside with his dad. The family spokesperson said when Kelly’s kids are sick they could run a marathon and you wouldn’t know they were sick. She wanted to be on the safe side and took him in for a check up and found out he had a form of leukemia.

In March of 2011 Walker had a bone marrow transplant as part of his treatment for ALL. A group of students from the Farmington Middle School, parents and teachers gathered the morning of his surgery to remember all those who are going through bone marrow transplants.

Walker’s sister, Zoe, donated the bone marrow to her brother in an attempt to help him win his battle.

On Nov. 3 Walker lost his battle with leukemia. His legacy is far from over and his family is helping others by giving back with this annual event. He was an avid football player and was familiar to all Farmington Knights fans along the sidelines during the games. He was well known both and on and off the field.

Registration forms for the fundraiser may be picked up at the Farmington Civic Center or Mega Sports. Early registration is due by April 13. For more information contact Kelly Johns at 760-4496 or Joan Hurst at 701-1758.