Raising money and awareness for cystic fibrosis is the goal of the ninth annual Laps 4 Landon event at Emporia State’s Welch Stadium on Tuesday, April 19.
The event from 6 to 8 p.m. that night includes a variety of fun activities — walking on the track, a bouncy house for the kids, live music, a silent auction, a prize table where tickets can be purchased for $1 each and the Plinko Board, which is back by popular demand for only $1 per drop with a guaranteed prize.
In addition, Emporia State athletes, including the men’s basketball and football teams, will be on the field ready to get their game on with the older kids.
All funds raised through these activities go to the CF Foundation to help fund research for improved treatments for this genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States and 70,000 worldwide, according to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Laps 4 Landon began in 2008 to honor Landon Dody, then an infant, who was diagnosed with CF when he was 3 months old. Now 9, Landon is the son of Emporians Aron and Blythe. Dad Aron is an Emporia State University alum and is superintendent of the North Lyon County school district. Mom Blythe, also an alum, is director for student activities and community service in Center for Student Involvement; aunt Laura Eddy, another alum, is director of admissions and grandfather Tom Eddy is a retired professor in the Department of Biological Sciences.
The Laps 4 Landon event is organized every year for ESU health promotion majors as a final project in a health marketing class.