great candy run

the foundation's flagship event turns 20

by erika k. wolf

This November, The Great Candy Run will celebrate its 20th anniversary and it’s going to be epic.

This 5K run/walk was started in 2004, and will celebrate its 20th annual the same year that the twins who inspired the race – Ashley and Aspen Somers – will celebrate their 20th birthday.

How It Started

When Michelle’s pregnancy was diagnosed with Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome at 20 weeks gestation, the news was bleak. Medical professionals delivered little hope of saving their girls. But Michelle and husband, Lonnie, refused to accept that nothing could be done. And so, they began their mission to learn more, find options, and get treatment.

The road was long and difficult, but they found the answers for which they were looking. Hope was found in Dr. Ruben Quintero, a maternalfetal medicine specialist located in Florida – a long way from their home in Colorado. They jumped on a plane to pursue their dream of a family. They were comforted by the expertise and compassion that Dr. Quintero offered and after many exams and discussions, Michelle and the twins underwent laser ablation surgery to stop the uneven blood flow that happens between the two babies affected by TTTS. The surgery carries many risks including that one or both babies might not survive the operation. Ashley and Aspen beat the odds. They were both alive and well after the surgery, and it was time for Michelle and Lonnie to head home and wait for their due date – with Michelle on bed rest for the remainder of the pregnancy. you’re invited to our sweet event!

On June 17, 2003, the girls were born healthy and strong. Michelle and Lonnie were so happy, grateful, and relieved, but they couldn’t stop thinking about all the families who struggle with a diagnosis like this. They felt compelled to do something to help. As avid runners themselves, they started a 5K race to raise funds for TTTS, which has grown and flourished since.

In 2006, Michelle, Lonnie, and other parents affected by a fetal syndrome decided to elevate the awareness of fetal syndromes to a global level and established the Fetal Health Foundation. Now the race is called The Great Candy Run and is the biggest annual fundraiser for FHF.

What: The Great Candy Run’s 20th Anniversary Celebration

When: Sunday, November 12, 2023

Where: Washington Park, 1700 E. Louisiana Ave., Denver 80210

Events: The Jolly Rancher Kids Fun Run, 8:40 am MT

5K Run/Walk, 9 am MT

Post-race expo, music, and festivities, 9 am MT

How: Register online at thegreatcandyrun.com.

Why: Because it's the sweetest finish ever!

Our premise was to create a family fun event that provides hope and funding to the Foundation, while allowing families to make sweet memories. Aspen and Ashley are our inspiration in helping families battling a fetal anomaly, such as TTTS, so they can make thousands of memories while living their dream of having a family.

– Lonnie and Michelle Somers how can you get involved?

We’re glad you asked! There are many fun ways to participate, and you don’t have to be in Denver.

Register for the event in Denver to run or walk the 5K! Included with your registration is:

* Entry into the run/walk, including a stroller division

* A 20th anniversary edition

Great Candy Run tech shirt

* A special finisher medal, custom designed to commemorate the 20th anniversary

* Free race-day photos

* Sweet prizes for overall and age-group winners

* Fun, candy-themed costumes are encouraged

* A celebration with family and friends including Sweet Street -complete with candy, baked goods, and more – live music, facepainting, and an entire post-race expo!

Register for the virtual event to run or walk 5K anywhere! At home? Great! On vacation? Perfect. Traveling for work?

Awesome! Along with your registration, you’ll get:

* A 20th anniversary edition

Great Candy Run tech shirt

* A special finisher medal custom designed to commemorate the 20th anniversary

* The satisfaction of knowing you’re helping families affected by a fetal syndrome

Volunteer!

We simply cannot pull off an event of this magnitude without the amazing help of our awesome volunteers. Reach out to Michelle Somers at Michelle@fetalhope. com to share your time and talent with us. Bring your whole crew and make it a day to remember!

Sponsor the event!

Are you part of a company that enjoys giving back to the community? Sponsorships of all levels are available. Reach out to Lonnie Somers at Lonnie@ fetalhope.com to find out how your organization can get involved and make a huge difference!

Exhibit at the race-day expo! On race day, thousands of people stroll through the expo to sample the goodies, talk with exhibitors, and enjoy the festivities. Do you want to have a booth to feature your business or organization? Let us know! Email Lonnie Somers at Lonnie@fetalhope. com today!

See you on race day!