Guest post by Mark Thomas Kenny

As spring rapidly approaches, I find myself anxiously searching for ways to dislodge those 15 pounds of winter-justified warmth that the new Freddy’s in Derby so graciously bestowed upon me. After many midday musings, I concluded that I simply couldn’t be so selfish as to hang my red cape and blue tights in a locker at the Y to go walk aimlessly on a treadmill next to Johnny B.O. when so many people are in need of help. I remembered all the Facebook in,vitations to this walk and that walk, helping this group and that group, and how I had quickly dismissed them all with the almighty Ignore button. So, as penance I have compiled a list of charitable fundraiser walks taking place over the next several months. I can think of no better way to achieve my fitness goal than by helping others in the process. I plan to participate in many of these mutually beneficial events, and I invite each of you to try at least one as well.

Autism CARE Walk – Saturday, April 10 at Heartspring, 8700 E. 29th St. N.

Proceeds benefit local children who are on the autism spectrum through workshops and programs offered by Heartspring. This year’s walk is approximately two miles and will start and finish on the Heartspring campus. Registration is free and all participants can create their own personal fundraising page on the Autism CARE Walk website.

Walk MS: Mid America – Saturday, April 10 at Sedgwick County Park, 6501 W. 21st St. N.

Proceeds help create a world free from multiple sclerosis. Participants can choose from a 1.2 or 3.4 mile route with rest stops along the way. After the walk, enjoy a hamburger cookout, music, and fun.

Midwest Hemophilia Association Walk-A-Thon – Saturday, April 17 at The Grove Apartments, 2909 N. Oliver

Raises funds and awareness about hemophilia and other bleeding and clotting disorders.

Step Up For SIDS – Saturday, April 17 at Cessna Stadium at Wichita State University

Individuals and teams are invited to participate in the 5K run through the WSU campus and/or the SIDS memory walk on the stadium track. Plan to stay the whole morning and participate in games and activities at the Children’s Fair.

March for Babies – Saturday, April 17 at Lawrence Dumont Stadium

Proceeds support programs in the community that help moms have healthy, full-term pregnancies and fund research to find answers to the problems that threaten premature babies.

Taking Steps to Cure Cystic Fibrosis – Saturday, May 1 at Sedgwick County Park

Great Strides: Taking Steps to Cure Cystic Fibrosis is the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s largest national fundraising event.

Relay for Life – Friday, June 11-Saturday, June 12 at Collegiate High School

Proceeds benefit The American Cancer Society. At Relay, teams of people camp out and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event.

Greater Wichita Start! Heart Walk – Saturday, June 12 at Cessna Stadium

As the American Heart Association’s signature fundraising event, the Start! Heart Walk promotes physical activity and heart-healthy living in a fun family environment.

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