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Paige's Butterfly Fun Run and Walk set for June 2 Event in memory of Baldwinsville child will raise money for University Hospital 's Center for Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders

More than 600 people are expected to participate in the fifth annual Paige's Butterfly Fun Run and Walk Saturday, June 2 at Palmer Elementary School, Hicks Road, Baldwinsville.

There will be a 5K race on a certified course with official timing starting at 9 a.m, and a 3K fun run/walk starting at 10 a.m. All participants are encouraged to ask for sponsorships. An awards ceremony for runners and fund raisers will begin at 10:30 a.m.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Center for Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders at University Hospital and the Paige Yeomans Arnold Memorial Scholarship Fund at Baker High School in Baldwinsville. The event is affiliated with the Children's Miracle Network of Central New York. Last year's run/walk raised $22,000.

Participants should pre-register by May 18, but applications will be accepted up to and including the day of the event. Commemorative T-shirts will be available to all those who pre-register. Registration forms can be found at many area businesses, by calling the Children's Miracle Network at 464-4416, or by visiting http://www.paigesbutterflyrun.org.

Paige Yeomans Arnold was diagnosed with leukemia as she was nearing the end of her first grade year at Palmer Elementary. During the next year she completed second grade while being treated at the Center for Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders at University Hospital. By that time the disease had progressed, requiring a bone marrow transplant. Paige underwent the procedure at Boston Children's Hospital in the summer of 1994, but died from resulting complications.

In April 1997, teachers at Palmer Elementary approached Paige's parents about holding an event in Paige's memory. Any money raised would go to charity. Named after Paige and the butterflies she so loved, the 5K event was organized and quickly attracted some 250 participants. The success enjoyed that first year continues. The organizers promise a morning of fun for the whole family, including music, raffle prizes and the opportunity to help Central New York's children.

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