They ‘Can Do’ — and did
by Amy Young

Over 600 runners and walkers and 100 volunteers took part in the Northshore Special Families’ Can Do 5k Run and Walk Sunday, March 29, at Seattle Times North Creek in Bothell. The event raised $12,500 for the program.
Northshore Special Families (NSF) is an all-volunteer community of families with special needs. Through support and activities, Northshore Special Families aims to overcome the barriers to social inclusion that children with special needs and their families face. The group offers monthly potlucks with professional childcare, family outings, special events such as Special Santa, moms’ outings, dad outings, and sibling workshops.

The Can Do 5k Run and Walk was an officially sanctioned timed raced. It was organized to raise awareness to what kids with special needs Can Do. The challenges kids with special needs face and overcome were celebrated. The Can Do 5k puts the emphasis on "can." The event was geared toward experienced, as well as beginning, runners. Families with children with special needs were especially encouraged to attend. There was also a one mile route and a kids’ dash.

Posters of children with special needs playing basketball, reading, climbing, riding bikes lined the course. The posters read "I can smile," "I can walk," "I can be cool," "I can read with my friends."

For more information about Northshore Special Families, visit www.northshore-specialfamilies.org

Presenting sponsor for the 5k was Woodinville Pediatric Dentistry. Community sponsors and participants included QFC, Jamba Juice, Trader Joes, Costco, Seattle Times North Creek, YMCA Bothell, Everyday Athlete, Holistic Pediatrics (Seattle), Profit Design, Brooks, Therapeutic Associates Physical Therapy, The Giving Circle, Ryan Swanson, Crayons Drink, Estep Works, Marina Smith Design, Bothell Pediatric Hand Therapy, Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation, Panera Bread.

Individuals can still donate to NSF at www.active.com/donate/cando5k.