Preschoolers on the Run for Good Cause

Like recruits in a preschool boot camp, the children ran, slid down slides and jumped over ropes. But no one was timing their runs. The point was to raise awareness about cystic fibrosis.

About 70 children, ages 2 to 5, ran through an obstacle course in the playground at the Children’s World Learning Center as long as possible to win fast-food gift certificates and raise money to fight the disease.

Students, their families and friends raised about $500 that the center will donate to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, said Susan Rice, assistant director at Children’s World. The event was part of the nationwide “Mini March Program” organized by the foundation.

“It’s letting children know they can help other kids and there’s something we can do,” Rice said.

About 30,000 people nationwide have cystic fibrosis, a fatal inherited disease for which there is no cure, according to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Symptoms include persistent coughing, wheezing or pneumonia. Sufferers also experience excessive appetite but poor weight gain.

Parents said they were eager to help their kids raise funds. Kim Rundquist said her two boys, Trevor, 3, and Jason, 5, raised $165.

“If my kids ever had something, I hope people would care,” said Rundquist of North Hills.

Denise Hernandez said her 4-year-old son, Tyler, raised $72.

“It helps them understand what giving is all about,” Hernandez of Granada Hills said.

For the kids dashing about the playground, the event was mainly about fun.

“I like running. I like hopping,” 5-year-old Avondre Victor said.

“I like the sliding and the balance beam,” added Casey Garrett, 5, of North Hills, as he took a breather in the sandbox.

But Jordan Allen, 4, of Northridge, said she had run enough. “I’m tired,” she said. “This is the longest race I’ve ever seen.”