Why Support Running the Keys for Hope

Sebastian Ortiz was like most teenagers at time of diagnosis, a kid in the prime of his life and he did not even know it.  He was the middle son of my three boys enjoying his high school experience at Columbus where he was a Mas Scholar and a cross country runner as well.  In an instant in October of 2015 that all changed when we heard the words, “your child has cancer”.   Unfortunately, after a brutal 14-month battle with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare soft tissue cancer, we lost Sebastian in December of 2016 at the young age of 16 years old. 

This is a special route for me & Sebastian.  I ran the Ragnar race from Miami to Key West 5 times from 2011 to 2015.  The last two with my son Sebastian who, at 14 & 15 years old at the time, was the youngest runner out of over 5000 participants.  When he did his first Ragnar in 2014, I joked with him that it was a tryout for him.  When he crossed the finish line, we shared one of the greatest memories I have of us together.  He asked me, “Dad, did I make the team for next year?  I hope I did because this was one best times I’ve had in my life!”.  I told him it was an equally amazing experience for me too and that he made the team!

The race will end on Higgs Beach in Key West where he finished the last Ragnar race we ran together.

What is Running the Keys for Hope

Each year, several teams of SebastianStrong runners take on a 100-mile relay from Key Largo to Key West to raise critical funds for childhood cancer research. The relay begins in Key Largo and continues through the night, culminating at sunrise on Higgs Beach in Key West.

This cherished event symbolizes not just the endurance of our runners but also the unyielding determination to advance research for less toxic, more targeted treatments for kids with cancer - and to give hope to families who need it most.

To learn more about SebastianStrong, our work, and why we do it, please visit www.sebastianstrong.org.

Interested in joining the running team? Talk to a team captain (you need to know one to get in) or reach out to me directly at Oscar@sebastianstrong.org or call me at 305-335-0894. 

We do this by increasing awareness of childhood cancers and raising money to fund research for less toxic, more targeted childhood cancer cures.

SebastianStrong was created to honor the life of Sebastian, who faced his battle with pediatric cancer with unparalleled bravery and positivity. Despite enduring 32 rounds of chemotherapy, 23 rounds of radiation, and 4 surgeries, Sebastian never lost hope or his fighting spirit. 

WE FUND INNOVATIVE RESEARCH FOR CHILDHOOD CANCERS.

Discovery Science: At SebastianStrong, we believe in the power of discovery science. We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization focused on innovative research and trials that push the boundaries of what's possible in childhood cancer treatment. By fundraising for us, you're directly contributing to the development of less toxic, more targeted treatments and cures.

Collaborative Spirit: We pride ourselves on collaboration. When you create a fundraiser for SebastianStrong, you join a network of passionate individuals and organizations dedicated to eradicating childhood cancer. Together, we can drive the change we want to see in the world.

Impactful Events: Your fundraiser can take many forms – from marathons and bake sales to virtual galas and community gatherings. Whatever you choose, we're here to support your efforts every step of the way. Be a part of our impactful events like Bend the Bar, Kayaking the Keys for Hope, the SebastianStrong 5K, and our annual Discovering Hope Gala.

Powerful Partnerships: SebastianStrong has partnered with esteemed institutions such as the University of Miami's Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Miami Dolphins, InterMiami CF, and Major League Soccer. Your fundraiser will amplify these partnerships, accelerating progress in childhood cancer research.

National Reach: Although we're headquartered in Miami, our reach extends far beyond. With over $4 million in direct research funding committed to leading childhood cancer research institutions across the nation, we are making waves in the fight against childhood cancer on a national scale.

Kids Deserve Better: At the core of our mission is a simple, powerful belief: KIDS DESERVE BETTER. We are driven to provide children with hope, envisioning a future where they have access to more precisely targeted treatments. Together, we're not just funding research. We're funding HOPE.

Follow @sebsstrong and #SEBStember35 to see what our community is doing to help raise awareness.