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One Popular Run Comes Back to Downtown Syracuse Popular Run Comes Back to Downtown Syracuse

By Logan Garvey

Andy Robinson: I was the one who had to tell my daughter she had cancer. And the first thing she said was am I going to die? And I said no, you’re not gonna die. I’m gonna dance at your wedding. And when I think of that moment, why wouldn’t I do this?
Logan Garvey: Andy’s daughter, Anita, was diagnosed with cancer at 14.
Andy: It’s 13 years ago and it still affects me.
Logan: With the help of Paige’s, Anita was given a wig after losing her hair Chris Arnold: Primarily over time what we are trying to do is raise funds to help families patients, and families that were in the position we were in and that Paige was in.
Logan: Last year the run was held at Palmer elementary school due to COVID, but this year it’s back downtown. Chris says it’s a nice weekend for those looking to spend time in Syracuse, especially with the Taste of Syracuse event the same day.
Chris: It’s a good feeling to bring it back downtown. We will be ready for the taste to be all around us.
Logan: Now while there’s not too many people out here right now at this time on Saturday, runners will be wearing their race attire outside the National Grid waiting for the race to begin.
Logan: Chris says the record attendance at the event is 22-hundred people. In Syracuse, I’m Logan Garvey, NCC News.

Syracuse, N.Y. (NCC News) —  Central New York can say hello to one of its most popular races downtown this Saturday. 

Paige’s Butterfly Run moved its run back to where it originally started at Palmer Elementary School last year due to COVID, but it will now be held downtown this weekend. 

Paige’s Butterfly Run President Chris Arnold said they are excited to move the race back to downtown in conjunction with the Taste of Syracuse event that will happen the same day.

“It’s a good feeling to bring it back downtown,” said Arnold.

All proceeds from the race go towards helping the Central New York community with childhood cancer. The money raised goes towards medical research and helping families in need. 

Paige’s Butterfly Run board member Andy Robinson has been personally impacted by this organization. After his daughter was diagnosed with cancer at 14, he said Paige’s helped his family by providing his daughter with a wig.

“That was a game-changer for her, it allowed her to be normal,” said Robinson. “And that’s an equally important part of the healing process as anything else. That feeling of being supported. That feeling of being normal. That feeling of that she is not in it alone.”

He said what Paige’s does to support families who have a child going through cancer is one of the biggest secrets of Central New York.

“It’s enough on your plate to watch your kid go through cancer,” said Robinson. “But when you have to do things like ‘I don’t have enough money for our car for gas…’”

The first in-person race will start Saturday at 9 a.m. with the option to run virtually at any time throughout the day. Those interested can sign up online at pbrun.org.

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