HOWELL — The fourth annual Kicks 4 Kids soccer marathon is approaching and the board members who direct the event are thankful for the success it has generated the past three years.
The soccer marathon was created in memory of Madison Beggs of Howell, who died in June 2012 at the age of 12 following a 22-month battle with brain cancer.
The Kicks 4 Kids soccer marathon will be held on Sept. 12 at Soldier Memorial Park in Howell and is being sponsored by the Frances Foundation for Kids Fighting Cancer.
Jayne McDevitt, 14, who organizes the soccer marathon and associated activities, said the event is more than just a soccer tournament.
“There are carnival games, face painting, dunk tanks and other fun things to do,” Jayne said. “It is a lot of fun for the families who come for the day and it is for a good cause.”
Madison attended Howell Middle School North and was enrolled in the Project Plus Program, according to a previous Greater Media Newspapers article. Jayne, who was a classmate of Madison’s, said they were very close.
“She was so kind and brave during her fight,” Jayne said. “One of the things she liked to do was help others, so I just want to do the same and help those who are battling cancer.”
Jayne’s mother, Debbie McDevitt, said about 750 people have attended the soccer marathon each year, making it a success in its first three years.
“Some people may not have even known (Madison),” McDevitt said. “Just by being inspired by her and her fight has helped raise donations and awareness toward fighting cancer.”
McDevitt, who is also a Kicks 4 Kids executive board member, said the event is a lot of fun for the families who attend. There is music, food, a gift auction and more activities to partake in throughout the day, she said.
Madison is remembered as a brave and courageous girl who inspired all to be strong and to never give up, McDevitt said.
“She touched so many people through her fight that so many people in the communities around us have been willing to give back in her memory,” McDevitt said.
Jayne said Kicks 4 Kids, which features a soccer tournament, has raised more than $70,000 to benefit pediatric cancer charities over the past three years.
“We have been able to donate to various charities and we usually switch it up from year to year,” she said.
This year the event will benefit Camp Quality, the Frances Foundation for Kids Fighting Cancer and pediatric cancer research at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Kicks 4 Kids relies on the generosity of establishments that provide sponsorships and donations, in addition to soccer teams that pay a fee to participate in the tournament, Jayne said, adding that Madison’s positive attitude during her fight against cancer provides the inspiration for the event organizers.
“Madison’s motto was ‘one day at a time,’ so our goal is to make a positive impact on as many lives as we can, one kick at a time,” Jayne said.