The Jack’s Angels Foundation, a non-profit organization raising awareness for a rare form of children’s cancer, is holding their second annual Skip for Jack race on Valentine’s Day.

The Jack’s Angels Foundation was founded in honor of 3-year-old Jack Demeter who died from Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma in 2011. Janet Demeter, Jack’s mother, has since been working to raise both awareness and funds for research to help battle pediatric cancer.

Skip for Jack is an event where children of all ages will participate in a balloon release and skipping race to improve awareness for D.I.P.G., one of the most devastating forms of pediatric cancer. The skipping race will take place from 7:45 a.m. to noon during the Santa Colorita Run at the Castaic Recreation Area. Participants will receive a yellow balloon, a t-shirt from the Santa Clarita Chamber of Commerce, and a hand-stitched winged heart from Jack’s Angels.

The skip is taking place to celebrate Jack and his happy, loving spirit Janet said. This year’s Skip for Jack is also dedicated to another D.I.P.G. patient named Nathan who is entering his final stages of the sickness.

Those participating in Skip for Jack are also welcome to join the second annual Santa Colorita Run. Runners are encouraged to wear white and prepare to be covered in color. Registration for the run opens at 6 a.m. with warm up beginning at 7:45 a.m.
The first wave of the run will depart at 8 a.m. followed by a second wave at 8:20 a.m. The last departure of the day will be the Family Fun Run at 8:40 a.m. Runners will receive a sweat band, t-shirt, sunglasses, color packet and bib number.

Registration for both the Santa Colorita Run and Skip for Jack can be found at santacolorita.com. All proceeds from Skip for Jack will benefit the For Jack research fund at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

More information on Jack’s Angels Foundation can be found at jacksangels.org.