By Geena Monahan—For the North Star Reporter
Malia Jusczyk filled her days with softball, soccer and tennis — determined to live as active a life as possible, despite years of cancer treatment.
Now, her legacy continues through the For Kids’ Sake Foundation’s third Annual Celebration of Life Fun Run & Fireworks Festival, set for June 20 at Plainville’s Field of Dreams.
“She took life by the horns,” Megan Jusczyk said of her daughter.
The foundation was established in 2011 after Malia Jusczyk was first diagnosed with neuroblastoma. Since then, its mission has continued through her treatment, nine-year remission and, following a relapse, her death in 2023.
What first began as a local triathlon in North Attleborough has since evolved into a large community fundraiser with a goal of raising $75,000 for pediatric cancer awareness, research and family support.
“This event is really about the way she lived,” her father Glen Jusczyk said. “She was grateful for school, friends and life, and those were the things she held onto and fought for.”
According to Megan Jusczyk, about 80% of the money raised supports pediatric cancer research, while the remaining 20% helps local families cover cancer-related expenses such as transportation, groceries and missed work.
“More than 50% of families with pediatric cancer face financial distress or bankruptcy,” Megan Jusczyk said. “They’re trying to keep their child alive and will do anything they can. Supporting those families is incredibly important to us.”
Last year’s event raised roughly $65,000, helping fund a CAR-T neuroblastoma research trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, where Malia received treatment, according to Megan.
Unlike a traditional competitive road race, Glen Jusczyk said the event was intentionally designed as a “fun run” that welcomes everyone.
“She wanted everyone involved,” he said. “It’s not about winning or losing. Whether you’re walking, pushing a stroller, jogging or sprinting, she just wanted people to have a good time.”
This year’s event will feature a new interactive “pin run” concept — replacing the color-run theme used in previous years — where participants collect commemorative pins at each kilometer marker that combine into a larger design.
The route also passes by the Jusczyks’ home before returning to the Field of Dreams, something Glen said helps participants connect more personally with his daughter’s story.
The evening will include food trucks, bounce houses, games, foam activities with the fire department, music from DJ Buddha, specialty nonalcoholic drinks from Sip Sip Hooray served in “Malia cups” and a fireworks display that has become one of the event’s signature attractions.
“Our fireworks are free because it’s important to celebrate the community and give people something to be part of,” Megan Jusczyk said. “The community has given so much to us, and we want to give back.”
The event also carries personal touches, including a custom T-shirt designed each year by Malia’s brother, Kole Jusczyk. This year’s design features the siblings holding hands and dancing in the rain beneath lightning bolts.
Glen Jusczyk said the event typically draws between 500 and 750 runners, while total attendance throughout the evening often exceeds 2,000 people.
Registration begins at 3:30 p.m., with the race scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Fireworks are expected to begin between 9 and 9:30 p.m. Free shuttle buses will run between Plainridge Park Casino and the event site. Same-day registration will be available, though organizers encourage participants to preregister online to help with planning.
More information about the event and registration details are available at forkidssakefoundation.org.
“One day kids like Malia will survive and we want to be a part of that,” said Megan Jusczyk. “When you raise awareness and funds you change statistics and make real change.”