Hi everyone!

My name is Alexa Sankary and I am so excited to be kicking off the 10th year of The Blast 5K, 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk and now bike race! For those that are new to The Blast, here is what we are about— The Blast was started to honor the promise I made to my dear friend, Michael Mancuso. He was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at the age of 4 and before he passed away at the age of 7, I promised him I would help find a cure for the  children still suffering from this terrible disease.

Dr. Maeghan Granger and the Sankary Family, 2015 Blast check presentation 

Nine years have passed now and The Blast has turned into a wonderful community event honoring Michael’s memory and celebrating the courage and strength of all the children and families affected by   neuroblastoma. I am so happy to announce that last year’s event helped us surpass our million dollar goal, raising over $1,274,000 in the last 9 years to help Cook Children’s Medical Center with neuroblastoma  program development and clinical research.  

This year, we will be highlighting 10 for 10! 10 special teams and friends of The Blast who have been a HUGE part of the 10 years of success we have had. We want to make YOU one of the special teams or special friends of The Blast! Your generosity and support brings hope to families currently battling this disease and to those whose battle ended way too soon. It is because of your support that Cook Children’s is able to provide patients with the best treatments possible so close to home. Thank you for helping me keep my promise to Michael.              

Together, we can truly make a difference. Hope to see y’all there!

Alexa and the Sankary family