American Legion Post 17 sponsors 5K to benefit Rylie’s Smile
The Lewes American Legion Post 17 family will host the 7th Annual Rylie’s Dog Days of Summer 5K beginning at 8 a.m. and a Kiddie K at 7:45 a.m., Labor Day Monday, Sept. 5, at 113 American Legion Road, Lewes.
Online registration is at races2run.com; event-day registration will begin at 7 a.m.
Rylie Maedler is a junior member of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 17, and in addition to being a typical teenager, she now travels the world speaking on the importance of research for herself and many other kids who benefit from the use of medical cannabis. She is actively involved in her family’s 23-acre Eastern Shore cultivation and processing research farm, and is constantly telling people about her medical journey, seeking to improve treatment options, facilitate legislative needs and support other patients.
Rylie’s Smile Foundation is named after this brave young girl who at 7 years old endured extensive surgery and rehabilitation following an aggressive facial bone tumor and later a seizure disorder. Working with specialists, Rylie received medical cannabis oil as part of her treatment and now through her second nonprofit, Rylie’s Sunshine, she is providing support to countless families and the medical world who were doubtful of this beneficial alternative treatment for her pain and seizures.
Today, at age 16, through the Rylie’s Smile Foundation, Rylie and her mother are involved with international advocacy and research addressing pediatric use of medical cannabis. Rylie’s Smile Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on bringing smiles back to sick children and their families by helping them achieve a better quality of life through health education, technology devices, advocating for treatment options for seriously sick children and supporting research on less-toxic therapy.
Preregistration for the race is $25 until Thursday, Sept. 1, and $30 after. Entry fee for those under age 18 is $15 in advance and $20 on race day. There is no charge for the Kiddie K. Those who are unable to participate can go to ryliessmilefoundation.org and make a donation in honor of American Legion Post 17 in Lewes to show their support of this amazing young woman’s work.
The 5K course is USATF certified with chip timing and goes through Cape Henlopen State Park. The race breakfast party and hot dogs are sponsored by AL Post 17. Beer and seltzers will also be available for participants age 21 and over. Don’t forget the silent auction! Go to races2run.com for race policies.
