PHOENIX — A Valley nonprofit is hosting its 2nd Annual Jazmine's Hike to support families battling childhood cancer this upcoming Saturday.
“Jazmine couldn’t walk yet, so this is really taking steps that she never got to do," said Michael Reiter, Jazmine's father.
Jazmine's Journey, a 501C3 nonprofit, was founded in honor of Jazmine Reiter who was diagnosed with leukemia at 6 months old. She underwent cancer treatment for most of her life and died on May 5, 2020.
The nonprofit benefits cancer research and helps to provide emotional and financial support to families during their own battles with childhood cancer.
“You don’t really think about childhood cancer unless it happens to you," Michael Reiter said. “To make things a little bit easier in the day-to-day. Not having to worry about an electric bill, a cell phone bill, gas to get to and from appointments, to and from the hospital, that kind of stuff.”
Jazmine's Hike will take place at North Mountain, one of the trails Amber Reiter walked to find peace following her daughter's passing.
“Being out in nature, helped cope with my grief," said Amber Reiter, Jazmine's mother.
The Reiters are inviting everyone to join their hike. It starts at 7 a.m. Tickets cost $20.
Virtual tickets are also available for people who can't come in person.
“They can do different trails. There’s two different summits. There’s two different miles and then there’s just a flat trail you can choose from," Amber Reiter said.
All of the proceeds from the hike will go to the family assistance program where they hope the donations can help bring peace to families going through a difficult time.
“You’re not alone. It’s hard. You’re going to be scared, but there’s help," Michael Reiter said. "There’s always help.”
Tickets for Jazmine's Hike are available online.
Click here to see other way's to get involved in Jazmine's Journey.