Local nonprofit hosts 5K run at UNF to give kids a chance to dream

JACKSONVILLE, Florida. – Thousands gathered at the University of North Florida on Saturday to get moving.

Runners, walkers and scooter riders take to the course for the 7th annual Dreams Come True 5K.

RELATED | Help make dreams come true for children in the region who suffer from life-threatening illnesses.

“We are here for our largest annual community-wide fundraiser to help fulfill the dreams of children here in Northeast Florida with life-threatening illnesses,” said Anna Valent, executive director of Dreams Come True.

Dreams Come True is a First Coast-based organization that helps children live out their wildest dreams.

“These kids miss so much of their childhood at school because they have a doctor's appointment at the hospital,” Valent said. “Our goal is to bring them a little hope and joy along the way and give some of that back to them through the power of a dream.”

Since the organization was founded in 1984, around 4,800 dreams have come true. The event on Saturday celebrated the organization's 40th anniversary.

Blake Hunter is a 10-year-old who has undergone three open-heart surgeries.

His dream came true when he traveled to Las Vegas to see BattleBots.

And he came back to the Dreams Come True 5K to show other children that they are not alone.

“We’re just looking forward to being good and strong for these kids,” he said.

Bentley Firster was present at Saturday’s race as an ambassador.

This 11-year-old has been battling a brain tumor for just over a year, and his dream came true when he spent a week in Orlando, going to parks and eating candy.

“I ate ice cream all seven days,” he said. “And I didn't throw up. I repeat, I didn't throw up.”

Firster has completed all of his treatment but said he will keep fighting.

“Forever and ever,” he said. “Until the cancer decides to leave my body.”

And despite the life prognosis for these two children, Blake and Bentley have a similar attitude.

“If you have a dream, pursue it,” Blake said.

“Fight, fight, fight,” Bentley said.

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