Over 1,000 Attend Walk for Wishes 5K Marathon at NSU

Annual event raises $300,000 to support local families fighting cancer

Feb. 1, 2026 at 12:15pm

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More than 1,000 supporters gathered at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for the 17th annual Walk for Wishes 5K marathon, raising $300,000 to assist children facing cancer and other medical challenges in the local community.

Why it matters

The Walk for Wishes event is a crucial fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation's Southern Florida chapter, providing critical support and resources to families battling pediatric illnesses in the region.

The details

The 5K marathon featured over 1,000 participants who came together to show their support for local children and families facing cancer and other medical issues. The event raised $300,000 to help these families keep up their fight against these challenges.

  • The 17th annual Walk for Wishes 5K marathon took place on Saturday.

The players

Isabella Desptree

A Wish Kid who attended the event and spoke about the importance of the community support.

Alex de Armas

The emcee of the event and a proud sponsor of the Make-A-Wish Foundation's Southern Florida chapter.

Make-A-Wish Southern Florida

The local chapter of the national non-profit organization that grants wishes for children with critical illnesses.

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What they’re saying

“This is what we all want, when we come out of beating cancer, and any type of illness and it is a meravel thing, to just be here with other people that can understand this and other kids that can have somebody to depend on, and bet on, and it really is an amazing thing.”

— Isabella Desptree, Wish Kid

The takeaway

The Walk for Wishes 5K marathon demonstrates the power of community support in helping local families battling pediatric illnesses, raising critical funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation to continue granting life-changing wishes for children in need.