(Los Angeles) BrittiCares International, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, invites Southern California to join in on their race against cancer and the despair and heartache is causes, as they host their 9^th annual Brittiana “Smile For Life” 5k run/walk.  The time-chipped race, will take place on Saturday, June 7, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., at Kenneth Hahn Park in Los Angeles.  It will include a day of family fun-filled activities such as live entertainment, games, sports, raffles, arts and crafts, face painting, celebrity guests, photo booths and much more.  Early registration is encouraged at www.brirunwalk.com - BrittiCares’ official run/walk registration page. 

The Brittiana “Smile For Life’ 5k run/walk is BrittiCares’ largest fundraiser of the year and helps fund their ongoing programs that include:

• “Imagine Me” Bedroom Makeovers
• Blood and Marrow Drives
• Patient and Family Financial Assistance
• Patient Party Times
• New Patient Care Bags
• Scholarships
• Holiday Adopt a Family & Dinners
• Hospital Assistance
• Celebrity Connection

BrittiCares has already helped hundreds of children with cancer across Southern California and is currently expanding its efforts to states such as Arizona and Tennessee. 

Registration fees for ages 6-17 are $15 and adults $25. Children under 5 are free. Teams are encouraged to join the run/walk.  All team participants must raise a minimum of $100 per member and must have 10 or more people on their team. Early registration is encouraged at www.bcirunwalk.com.  Vendor booths available, for more information call (323) 292-8527. For more information on BrittiCares International, visit www.britticares.org.

About BrittiCares International

Jamie and Shirell Henderson founded BrittiCares International after their 10-year-old daughter, Brittiana Rene Henderson, was diagnosed with bone cancer and later leukemia. Brittiana courageously fought the disease, never losing hope or faith, and always exuding love for others. Visiting children in the same hospital, reading to them and spending time with them, Brittiana took the focus away from herself and focused on others.Brittiana's battle came to an end January 31, 2007, but not before becoming a forerunner in helping other children with similar challenges, get through their battle with hope, love, and lots of smiles.  

(L-R) Founder Shirell Henderson and Brittiana Henderson at the 1st Annual Brittiana 'Smile for Life' 5k Run/Walk