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Amazing Race for Children's Hospital

The family of Lilee-Jean Putt has organized an Amazing Race style event in Chilliwack as a fundraiser for BC Children's Hospital.
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Lilee-Jean Putt captured the hearts of Chilliwack throughout her battle with brain cancer. Her family has organized an Amazing Race style event in honour of the toddler who passed away last September and as a fundraiser for BC Children's Hospital.

It's a race that Lilee-Jean Putt would have loved.

Chilliwack's sweet baby girl who passed away last September loved to run, dance, and explore the outside world.

On May 3, the inaugural Chilliwack's Amazing Chase for Children's is a race raising funds for BC Children's Hospital. Specifically for pediatric cancer research in the name of Lilee-Jean.

"With grief, there's always so much guilt that comes, but we still need to live and enjoy life," said Lilee-Jean's aunt Carolyn Putt, who, since LJ's death, has tried to follow in her niece's baby steps.

"Even in her suffering and pain, Lilee was always smiling and dancing, she was so happy and full of joy."

Lilee-Jean's paternal family organized the Amazing Race style competition.

Just like the popular TV show, teams will be racing around Chilliwack competing in a variety of different challenges, some that may include brain capacity, memory, food, and physical capabilities.

Some of the challenges will be on foot, while others require vehicle transportation. Clues will be given following the completion of each challenge directing racers to their next destination.

"I, myself, love the Amazing Race," said Putt, who started formulating the idea last summer.

The competition may not bring in the most money, like a pub night might, but it will be fun, and for some a good competitive challenge, it will create family bonding, friendships, more awareness about Chilliwack businesses, and about pediatric cancer, said Putt.

"It's probably easier and would probably raise more money to hold a pub night, silent auction, 50-50 raffle, but those things happen so much, and they're not as exciting as something like this," said Putt.

"Maybe we're not going to raise as much money, but our hope is to get more people involved and learning about Children's."

The competition is still in its early planning stages. Organizers are still seeking businesses to hold challenges at, as well as a starting location in the downtown core. They're also in need of racers.

Registration is $30 per person with teams ranging from two to six people.

The event is on May 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. ending at Murray Honda with a family fun barbecue celebration in which everyone is invited regardless of whether they raced or not.

For more information, contact Carolyn Putt at 604-824-8075 or email amazingchase2014@gmail.com.

kbartel@theprogress.com

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