The Zachary Hebda Foundation was created as a living memorial to a normal healthy five you old boy who was diagnosed with leukemia in late November 1998. In January 1999, Zachary’s family leaned that his illness was in remission, however due to the make up of his particular leukemia chromosomes, his treatment required a Bone Marrow Transplant. Fortunately, Zachary’s mother was a match for the transplant. Zachary underwent his transplant at Johns Hopkins Hospital in April 1999. Although the transplant was not successful, remarkably Zachary’s own bone marrow returned cancer free. In early June 1999, Zachary returned to Johns Hopkins Hospital, where he died the morning of June 19th, 1999 as the result of an infection.
Friends and family created the foundation and the Race Against Childhood Cancer as a tribute to Zachary and other children who have been diagnosed with childhood cancers.
On September 17th, 2000, the first Race Against Childhood Cancer was held at the University of Maryland in partnership with the University of Maryland Campus Police. The race committee had high expectations for the success of the race. Professionals commented that a first year event would be a success if 175-250 runners participated.
In the first year 719 individuals participated in the race, including over 100 Midshipmen from the United States Naval Academy. Through the generous corporate sponsorship of Headhunter.net, FedCenter.com, Information Services and Solutions, Silicon Graphic’s Inc., Antkowiak Design Group, Snow Valley Water, Domino’s Pizza, AT&T Government Systems, Logicon, United Airlines and the Lutheran Brotherhood, the Race Against Childhood Cancer funded a Clinical Trial of a Leukemia vaccine being conducted at John’s Hopkins Hospital. Additionally a significant donation was made to Children’s Roads to Recover; a Maryland based organization, which provides travel-related support to families of children suffering from critical illness.
Finally, during a minority Bone Marrow Drive held in conjunction with the race, 14 adults were placed on the registry of potential bone marrow donors.
The Second Annual Race Against Childhood Cancer was held on September 23, 2001. The race committee had high expectations for our second year. This year’s race was held in the shadow of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. 700 people participated in the 2nd Annual Race Against Childhood Cancer, including a contingent from the United States Naval Academy and a group representing the U.S. Army. A course record was set by Sergei Fedotov in a time of 14:42, topping the inaugural course record of 15:48 set by Aaron Pricer in 2000.
Through the generous corporate sponsorship of The University of Maryland Campus Police, AT&T Government Systems, Information Services and Solutions, Silicon Graphics, Inc., Antkowiak Design Group, Snow Valley Water, Domino’s Pizza, Cavalier Softball, CVS Pharmacy, Logicon/DPC, RJH Settlement Service, and LLC RE/MAX Elite - Agent Keith Randlett, the Race Against Childhood Cancer funded a project at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center testing protocol to mediate graft Vs host disease.
After the race 32 people became potential bone marrow donors by registering with the C.W. “Bill” Young Bone Marrow Program.
Please join us on September 19th 2010 in our 11th annual race!
If you would like to make a tax deductible donation to help in our fight against childhood cancer please send your donations to The Zachary Hebda Foundation, Post Office Box 322, Linthicum, Maryland 21090
The Zachary Hebda Foundation is a non-profit, tax exempt organization, under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code as an organization described in section 501(c)(3)
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