The leading cause of death by disease among U.S. children under the age of 15 is cancer. Last year, approximately 8,600 children in this country were diagnosed with cancer and about 1,500 children died from the disease.

A Takoma Park family's personal experience with those cold realities is what first inspired them to host a modest event to raise money for children and families struggling with cancer.

The event took off--and grew. On Saturday, October 5, more than 1,500 runners and walkers are expected to participate in the Sixth Annual Becca's Run. Past participants who have run or walked the course include Montgomery County Executive Doug Duncan and members of the Marine Corps.

The event kicks off from the grounds of St. Bernadette's School in Silver Spring, and then winds through the streets of the surrounding Woodmoor neighborhood before returning to its starting point. The course is 5-K for runners, and two miles for walkers. Organizers hope to exceed last year's contribution of $48,000, which went to local organizations that provide quality programs for children with cancer.

Becca's Run commemorates and celebrates the life of teenager Rebecca Erin Lilly, whose courageous six-year battle with brain cancer was chronicled in a series of articles in The Washington Post's Health section (see www.washingtonpost.com. Through the generosity of participants, volunteers and corporate sponsors, Becca's Run has been able to donate more than $170,000 to local cancer organizations over the past five years.

Proceeds from this year's Becca's Run will support Becca's Fund, Inc. This new fund was developed by the Lilly family in order to address the many important needs that are not addressed by a single organization. They intend to offer supplemental funding for service organizations, such as Special Love, and stimulus dollars for groups focused on new therapies, such as The Children's Cause.

Registration forms are available by contacting the race hotline at (301) 593-5457, or at race Web site. Participants also can register on the day of the race between 7-8 a.m. The contribution for participation is $25.

The race will begin at 8:30 am, following warm-up exercises.

Further information and registration forms can be found at the race Web site.