Hundreds of local children, families and supporters will put on their walking shoes this Saturday to combat childhood cancer at the Triangle CureSearch Walk.

While many teams have been raising funds for weeks, it’s not too late to get involved. In fact, even those who can’t attend or walk can enter as a “Virtual Walker” for a tax-deductible donation of $10 or more. Adult walkers 16 and older also start at $10, and child walkers 15 or younger enter for free.

Each participant receives a green bandana to represent their journey with childhood cancer. Varying shades of green represent survivors, current patients, those who have lost their lives, and friends or corporate sponsors of the event. Walkers who raise $100 or more receive an official walk T-shirt.

Registration begins at 9 a.m., followed by opening ceremony at 10, including a bereavement ceremony and a survivor ceremony. The walk of approximately 2 miles kicks off after the ceremony, followed by a closing ceremony at 11.

“Each day in America, 36 children are diagnosed with cancer. Despite recent progress in treating the disease, cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease in children, taking the lives of one in five diagnosed and causing serious life-long affects for three out of five who do survive,” says Julie Puzzo senior vice president of CureSearch for Children’s Cancer. “CureSearch Walk raises funds for important research so that one day, every child will be guaranteed a cure.

The Walk takes place at N.C. State University’s Centennial Campus. Funds raised at the walk support clinical trials conducted by the Children’s Oncology Group, the largest children’s cancer research cooperative in the world. More than 175 hospitals are members, including Duke Children’s Hospital and UNC.

Music by the Sandboxx Band, face painting, mascots and other activities will also be a part of the event.

For more information, or to donate or register for the Triangle CureSearch Walk, visit www.CureSearchWalk.org/triangle.