MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif.—On Saturday, June 16, 2007, the Second Annual Brittiana Smile for Life 5K Run/Walk was held at Pacific School in Manhattan Beach.
The event was held in memoriam of Brittiana Henderson, 13, who passed away on January 31, 2007 from leukemia.
"Every life has a purpose, and every child deserves to smile" was the theme for this year's event. These words came from the namesake of Britti Cares International (BCI), Brittiana "Britti" Henderson.
One of the volunteers at the registration booth shared that Britti left a legacy in her 13 years. A legacy than many people that are 35, 45, or 55 don't have.
Britti Henderson was diagnosed with bone cancer in 2004 at the age of 10. Along with her parents, Jamie and Shirell Henderson, they began BCI to help children with cancer along with their families.
According to the BCI flier, the non-profit organization is "dedicated to embracing children diagnosed with cancer through the power of love."
Even while under treatment in 2006, Britti helped coordinate the inaugural 5K run/walk and completed the course.
Giving Back is What Matters
"The Greatest Reward that Life Has to Offer is Giving," was written on one of the placards surrounding the grassy track for this year's 5K walk/run.
"Her spirit lives on in this foundation," and today was "a celebration of Britti's life" said Chris Tucker, of Rush Hour 3 and co-host of the event. Tucker walked the track of 13 laps smiling all the while.
Before the walk began, Tucker shared that Britti was like a little sister to him. He added, "We have a beautiful day, just like Brittiana."
"Britti is looking down and smiling, she really makes me a stronger person" said KaRonn Henderson, 18, surviving brother of Britti. "She works in mysterious ways." He added that if he told us everything that she has done since her passing, we would not believe him.
Kyle and Chris Massey from Disney's "That's So Raven," "Corey In The House," and Nickelodian's "Zoey 101" were co-hosts of this year's event as well. Chris Massey shared that even though Britti was feeling bad towards the end, she "pulled everything together" to attend Chris' birthday party on January 28. Britti passed away just three days after the party.
Grammy Award winner, Jamie Jones said that we must stand beyond what we go through and "Keep God first." He then moved the audience with the lyrics "Every time I stumble and fall, I will rise."
Julio G from KDAY 93.5, broadcast music for the attendees and Jeffrey Henderson from KLAS 89.7 interviewed celebrities and filmed for his radio and internet television shows. Local children also danced for the audience.
Arriving early and continuing on, Chris Tucker was still going strong into the early afternoon selling raffle tickets on stage for a trip to attend the premiere and after party of Rush Hour 3 in Paris, France.
Help Battle Childhood Cancer
Cancer is the second greatest cause of death for children between the ages of 1-14 years in the United States. Every school day, 46 children are diagnosed with cancer. One quarter of children diagnosed with cancer will die within five years.
How You Can Help
Contribute to BrittiCares International, www.BrittiCares.org , at P.O. Box 43504, Los Angeles, CA 90043
Volunteer to help raise awareness for childhood cancer through the National Day of Awareness on June 26, 2007 or donate to CureSearch at www.CureSearch.org
Visit and join the National Registry to be a Bone Marrow donor at: www.marrow.org
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