A campus 5K run/walk will raise money for Play for Rex foundation, an Abilene based organization-helping families facing pediatric cancer. The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee is hosting the 2nd annual Hudson Wade 5K run/walk. The run/walk will begin at Hardin Administration building at 9 a.m. on Nov. 19 and go around the Lunsford Trail.

Hudson Wade, age 11, was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2015 and died Feb. 4, 2016.

“Last year, when Hudson was fighting Leukemia, we did this 5K and raised almost $6,000 for the Wade family,” said Kyle Karnei, senior accounting and finance major from Waco and president of SAAC. “We want to keep his name and legacy alive.”

SAAC works with the athletic administration to build connection between student athletes and the rest of campus. The Southland Conference sets goals for each school’s SAAC to benefit the university’s community with the annual Southland Gives Back event.

“Through the 5K, we can keep his story alive and hope that it reaches others who need to hear of his courageous battle,” said Dorothy Swanson, senior nursing major from Longview and vice president of SAAC. “We want to remember Hudson for his strength while also helping other families going through the same thing.”

More participants in the 5K will raise more money for the Play for Rex foundation. “The main thing we want is for the community and students to show up,” Karnei said.

Play for Rex foundation was created by Lance and Jill Fleming after their son Rex died from a brain tumor. Play for Rex provides pediatric cancer patients with Apple Ipad Touches and ITunes gift cards in hopes of encouraging these young patients. They aim to be a place of support for families experiencing life-threatening illnesses.

Registration for the 5K is online at www.youraze.com/hudsonwade5k for $20 including a t-shirt. T-shirts can also be purchased separately for $17. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. outside the Hardin Administration Building.

“They want his story to help others and to never be forgotten,” Swanson said.