Excitement building for second annual Niam’s Run for Kids with Cancer in Carmel Valley

Niam Yadlapati, a 9-year-old Carmel Valley cancer survivor, is leading the way to help put an end to childhood cancer. On Sunday, Oct. 5, Niam and the local Children United for Research and Education (CURE) Committee will present the second annual Niam’s Run for Kids with Cancer at the Ocean Air Elementary School field.

Now in remission, Niam was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) when he was just three years old in 2020. He was treated at Rady Children’s Hospital and underwent difficult treatments and surgery, finishing in 2022 when he was six.

Since Niam’s diagnosis, the Yadlapati family has been involved with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, now known as Blood Cancer United. Since 1949, the organization has worked to fund research, advance treatments, provide free support and advocate for better health care access for people impacted by the more than 100 types of blood cancer. Last year Niam hosted a very successful first Niam’s Run and the family was wowed when more than 350 people showed up to run, walk and enjoy the morning with community, raising over $40,0000 for the organization.

Now a fourth grader at Sage Canyon Elementary School, Niam has teamed up with CURE, composed of kids ages 7 to 16 years old, to organize this year’s event. According to mom Rena Yadlapati, this year’s event has taken on a life of its own. It will include not only the run but a bake sale, kid-led interactive stations, and a silent auction featuring donations from over 30 local businesses.

Niam and the CURE crew is hoping for an even bigger turnout this year. To register or donate, visit linktr.ee/runforkidswithcancer