Montessori Center School 2025 Jog-a-Thon: Run for Glimmers Foundation

This year, for the first time, the Montessori Center School’s Jog-a-Thon will be a service learning experience for our students, as we come together to fundraise for a deeply meaningful cause—pediatric cancer research—through our collaboration with the Glimmers Childhood Cancer Foundation.

In Loving Memory of Ava

The Glimmers Childhood Cancer Foundation was founded in honor of Ava Decker, a beloved student of the Montessori Center School, who was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer, in December 2022. Despite undergoing extensive treatments, Ava passed away on May 9, 2024, at just 13 years old. Her journey illuminated the urgent need for better, more effective treatments for childhood cancers, which remain severely underfunded.

Ava’s bright spirit, courage, and kindness continue to inspire our MCS community. Through the work of the Glimmers Foundation, her legacy lives on, bringing hope to children and families facing similar battles. The foundation is committed to:

FUNDING cutting-edge pediatric cancer research—every dollar donated directly supports research for more effective, less toxic treatments.
SUPPORTING children, adolescents, and young adults undergoing treatment at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospitals in Los Angeles, along with their families.
INSPIRING AWARENESS and advocacy for pediatric cancer care.

Running for a Future Without Childhood Cancer

Each day, approximately 47 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer, and tragically, 1,800 children lose their lives to the disease each year. While treatments for adult cancers have advanced dramatically, pediatric cancer treatments have remained largely unchanged for over 50 years.

This is why our Montessori Center School community is stepping up—to make a difference. By participating in MCS’ 2025 Jog-a-Thon, our students will not only challenge themselves physically but will also learn the power of giving back and standing up for those in need. Together, we can help fund the research that gives children like Ava a fighting chance. All proceeds from our fundraising page will be donated in support to the Glimmers Foundation and the amazing work they do in support of pediatric cancer research.

With Deep Gratitude

We are incredibly grateful for our Montessori Center School community's support, generosity, and compassion. Your participation in this year’s Jog-a-Thon ensures that Ava’s legacy continues, bringing hope, change, and progress toward a future where no child has to face cancer with outdated treatments.

Thank you for running with us for a cause and thank you for remembering Ava. 💛🎗️

To learn more about the Glimmers Childhood Cancer Foundation, please visit their website or other socials:

Website: https://www.glimmersfoundation.org/

Instagram: glimmersfoundation

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Glimmers-Childhood-Cancer-Foundation-61555538007768/

Montessori Center School 2025 Jog-a-Thon

By Montessori Center School at Santa Barbara

Montessori Center School 2025 Jog-a-Thon

Run for Glimmers Childhood Cancer Foundation