Chasing the Rainbow

Psiathalon participants pose with a banner
made by kids at Camp Rainbow in 2009. 

What has two feet, the skill to run a 5K, and the ability to help make the day a little brighter for a child with cancer?

You do, of course.

My college recently hosted a “Psiathalon” – in other words, a 5K organized by the psychology department – to raise money for Camp Rainbow, a Missouri summer camp for kids with cancer and blood related diseases. A crowd filled with all ages of walkers and runners made their way to the finish line in an effort to give these kids a free camping experience, a week including archery, crafts, swimming, and more. The event ended up raising $1500 for Camp Rainbow.

Participants agreed that they also benefited from the experience. The happiness of helping someone else, the satisfaction of completing the three miles, and the feeling of camaraderie all contributed to making it an event to remember. “[My favorite part was] sticking together,” participant Lilian U. said in reference to the friends she ran with. Teamwork is what helped many first-time runners keep their spirit and energy up. Christina R., a contestant and experienced runner, advises anyone wanting to run a 5K in the future to start training about three months in advance. “Run more than three miles everyday,” she says. “That way when you run the three miles, it’s nothing to you.”

Camp Rainbow campers and volunteers

There are a variety of ways people can contribute to Camp Rainbow, including monetary donations, supplies donations (water bottles, crayons, rain ponchos, etc.), volunteering as a camp counselor, and of course, participating in fundraisers like the Psiathalon. So would the participants do it again? Harini M. spoke for many of them as she responded without hesitation: “Of course!”

For more information about how you can help Camp Rainbow, visit http://www.camprainbow.com/.