This Labor Day weekend, the Virginia Beach Oceanfront was more than just a scenic backdrop for runners—it was a haven of hope and heartwarming moments. Thousands of participants laced up for the second annual Chartway Virginia Beach 10 Miler & 5K, organized by J&A Racing. For every race entry, $1 was generously donated to the Chartway Promise Foundation. Leading up to the event, local run clubs raised an additional $3,000, totaling a remarkable $9,500 to support our mission of granting wishes to medically fragile children.
Amid the energetic atmosphere, a profound sense of community and compassion took center stage. As part of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Chartway Promise, in collaboration with Hooked on Hope VB and Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia, announced two special wishes for local children battling cancer.
**Charlotte’s Wish – A Day on the Water**
On Saturday, after a sell-out 5K, 4-year-old Charlotte Fischer received her wish. Diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Charlotte and her family—parents Tamara and Dan, and sisters Penny and Annabelle—learned they would soon embark on a fishing charter adventure. Thanks to a grant from CPF to Hooked on Hope VB, Charlotte’s family will enjoy a day brimming with joyful and serene moments on the water.
“Because of Charlotte’s diagnosis in late April, we’ve kind of been limited to where we can go and what we can do, so this is a great way for us to enjoy time with each other that we really haven’t had in the last couple of months”, said Tamara.
Penny, Charlotte’s sister, eagerly added, “I hope I catch a shark.” Their mother’s heartfelt words and Penny’s innocent excitement underscored the importance of these cherished family moments.
“Seeing Charlotte’s smile reminds us of the impact that a single wish can have,” said Christine Wilson, President. “We are honored to have been part of her journey and to provide her family with this precious opportunity.”
**Chanel’s Wish – An Hawaiian Adventure**
The heartfelt celebrations continued on Sunday with 15-year-old Chanel Garcia, who has been battling leukemia since age 13. With the support of Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia and a grant from Chartway Promise, Chanel’s dream to visit Hawaii will soon come true.
“I want to swim with dolphins, visit a volcano, go to a luau, and see some sea turtles,” Chanel said, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
“Chanel’s courage and resilience have touched everyone involved”, noted Jessica Woodyard, Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia’s director of development. “We are thrilled to have made her wish a reality.”
This December, Chanel, her mother Bianca, and her grandmother will head off to Hawaii, where Chanel will also celebrate her 16th birthday—a milestone marked by the beauty of the islands and the joy of her dreams coming to life.
This year’s Chartway Virginia Beach 10 Miler & 5K was more than a race—it was a celebration of hope, community, and the incredible strength of young Promise Heroes like Charlotte and Chanel. By coming together, we can continue to create moments of joy and cherished memories for families who need them most. Thank you to everyone who participated, donated, and shared in the spirit of giving. Together, we are making a difference.
Throughout September, we encourage credit union members and the broader community to join in fundraisers and events, helping to bring more wishes to life for children facing serious health challenges.