5K Dragonfly Walk/Run a 'Great Success'

“It didn’t rain!” said a jubilant Louise Krouse, president and co-founder of , as she navigated among a crowd of orange-shirted walkers and runners at .

Saturday morning was the first-ever , which saw more than 400 participants from all over the Lehigh Valley and beyond.

Registration proceeds will benefit Brenton’s Hope -- a non-profit organization founded in April. The organization helps raise childhood cancer awareness and funds for local families facing the hardships of a childhood cancer diagnosis.

The foundation was inspired by Louise's son, Brenton J. Krouse, who lost his lost his battle against T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia on June 1, 2009 at just 11 years old.

The walk/run began at Nazareth Area Middle School before winding through Nazareth and then ending back at the middle school.

Following the 5K and a “fun run” for children ages 10 and under, prize baskets and a bicycle -- donated by -- were raffled off. Medals were given out to the top three performing males and females in each of the seven age groups -- 21 winners in all.

Special trophies were given to the top male and female:

• Drew Davis -- 18 minutes and 2 seconds
• Erin Umstead -- 21 minutes

“Overall, it was a very successful day,” Krouse said. The teacher said she was unsure of how much money was raised, but early estimates indicated at least $8,500 came from registration fees alone.

After the awards presentation, Krouse, who lives in Bushkill Township with her husband Jerry, personally thanked participants and area sponsors in a tearful speech.

“Our goal is to help families dealing with childhood cancer,” she said. “We know what it’s like because we went through it.”

Louise and Jerry hope the 5K Dragonfly Walk/Run will become an annual event.