Local Childhood Cancer Survivor to be Honored at Charity Event
Meriden resident Bryson Smith named “Champion” of Connecticut’s only walk/run for all local kids with cancer
Meriden, CT—Childhood leukemia survivor and Meriden resident Bryson Smith will be the featured ambassador at Circle of Care’s Make Tracks Walk/Run. Bryson’s mother, Mahogany Howard, remembers thinking, “I was so overwhelmed, I wasn’t even able to process the word ‘leukemia’.” She had just learned her 5-year-old son was diagnosed with cancer. Upon hearing those words, Bryson immediately had to undergo surgery, followed by a lengthy treatment regimen at Yale New Haven Hospital. That was in 2022, and life for him and his mom has not been the same since.
Mahogany had been working full-time at the post office but had to switch to a part-time night shift to care for Bryson during the day. The reduced income, combined with mounting medical bills, put a heavy financial strain on their family. That’s when Circle of Care, a CT-based non-profit for families with childhood cancer, stepped in to provide financial assistance by helping them pay some of their bills while Bryson was in treatment.
Today, Bryson is in remission and about to turn nine years old. He attended summer school and camp this year and is doing his best to return to a somewhat normal childhood, actively participating in triathlons, enjoying soccer and video games, and loves helping to care for his younger brother.
To honor Bryson for all that he has battled through, Circle of Care has named him "Champion" at their upcoming Make Tracks for kids with cancer event, Connecticut’s only walk and 5K run supporting all families in the state facing childhood cancer. The event takes place on Sunday, September 28—Sherwood Island State Park in Westport. Open to the public, Make Tracks includes:
• A ceremony to kick off the event
• A timed 5K for runners and joggers
• A relaxed, untimed walk for all abilities
• Health and wellness vendors
• A superhero obstacle course for kids
• Food from Romanacci and other local cafés
• Entertainment from our DJ and Star 99.9’s Anna Zap (emcee)
Each year, about 200 children in the state are diagnosed with cancer, with more than 500 in treatment at any given time. Make Tracks raises both awareness and vital funds to help children with cancer and their families.
To register or learn more, visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Westport/CircleofCare5K
This event is presented by ASML. Other major sponsors include Northwestern Mutual Tri-Harbor Financial Group, Inspira Marketing Group, JP Morgan Chase & Co., STAR 99.9, and John Schiaroli of Coldwell Banker Realty.
About Circle of Care
Circle of Care’s services are available to all families in Connecticut who are facing a childhood cancer diagnosis and are either living there or receiving treatment. The Connecticut-based nonprofit has also recently expanded. Its partnerships include hospitals in Springfield, MA, and Westchester, NY.
Dedicated to helping families from diagnosis through treatment and beyond, Circle of Care offers direct financial aid, emotional support, and practical resources—meeting families where they are and assisting them with the challenges of childhood cancer. Since its establishment in 2003, Circle of Care has supported nearly 4,000 families.
