Legacy Fun Run scheduled for March 22

The 5th annual Fun Run in memory of former student Alexis Mia Vega, and hosted by Legacy Traditional School, will be March 22.

Alexis was diagnosed with leukemia in 2010 and the school held its first fun run to raise money for the third-grader’s medical expenses, said her mother Mia Vega, who is assistant principal at Legacy.

Alexis died in 2011 and the school has continued to hold the annual event, first to raise money for a dolphin statue in her honor at the school and now to pay for beauty bags for patients at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Proceeds should pay for about 40 beauty bags filled with such items as nail polish, makeup, perfume, scarves, hats, socks, a mirror and costume jewelry — things Alexis would have liked, her mother said.

“During chemo, patients lose their hair, their skin gets dry — these (beauty bag items) are some of the fun things that will make a girl feel special and put a smile on her face,” Vega said.

The beauty bags are a way for her and her husband to give back to the community in their daughter’s name.

“For me on a personal note, it helps keep (Alexis’) memory out there,” she said. “I remember her every day. I know there is a lot of cancer research out there, but for girls a cure may not come for them in their moment. The bags bring the girls one moment of not thinking about cancer and mortality.”

“It’s a lot of fun,” said Sherri Anderson, a member of the Legacy staff. “The people are there for a good cause, and I think that’s what makes it really enjoyable.

“I think the experience the Vegas went through with Alexis (led them) to see a need at the hospital that was not being fulfilled. By doing this, we can help fill that need to help those kids feel better,” she said.

Registration starts 7:30 a.m. at Legacy, 17760 Regent Drive, followed by the first run at 8:15 a.m. The registration fee is $10, and the school awards medals. People also may sign-up for the 5K walk or the 1-mile fun run, popular with families who may participate from stroller age on up. 

Last year, the event drew its largest crowd with 245 participants and attracted people from other Valley cities.

520-423-9999, to register
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