Mother's Day is a special time for honoring and remembering moms. In Chantilly's Poplar Tree Estates community, it's a time to do the same for Jeffrey Virostek.
HE DIED of cancer at age 4 and, each year, a memorial race is held in his honor. It's always on Mother's Day, and the fourth annual Angel Kisses 5K run and 2K walk will be held this Sunday, May 13, at 8 a.m., in Chantilly's Poplar Tree Estates community.
It begins and ends at the Poplar Tree Estates Swim and Racquet Club, 13516 Point Pleasant Drive. For more information and to register, see www.AngelKisses-5k.org. Registration is: 5K, $25 2K, $20 and, this year, race-day registration will be accepted.
Proceeds go to the Jeffrey Virostek Memorial Fund to aid families battling cancer. Anyone unable to participate, but wishing to donate, may send contributions payable to Angel Kisses 5K to 13445 Marble Rock Drive, Chantilly, VA 20151.
Jeffrey died of acute myelogenous leukemia [AML] in September 2003 and, since the Virosteks know firsthand what families go through when their children have cancer, they want to give them the same strength and support they received from their own community when Jeffrey was so ill.
"So far, we've been able to raise $40,000 for the memorial fund — which, in turn, goes to various organizations that help families who are fighting cancer," said mom Tasha Virostek.
MONEY IS ALSO given to programs such as Special Love, a camp for children with cancer; transportation to and from doctors' appointments; and the Big Apple Clown Ministry which provides clowns to cheer up children in hospitals.
The 2006 Angel Kisses 5K drew nearly 500 participants and raised more than $15,000, and Virostek hopes to increase both totals, this time.
As part of the healing process, she said, "It's important to remain focused on where we've been and where we're going, and [this race] helps us help families to fight this terrible disease. Jeffrey touched a lot of lives, and our philosophy is 'Pay it forward.'"