Rylie’s Smile Turkey Escape 5K moves to Rehoboth Nov. 27

Rylie’s Smile Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, will host its 10th annual 5K run/walk at 8 a.m., Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 27, at at Thompson Island Brewing Company, 30133 Veterans Way, Rehoboth Beach. No dogs are allowed due to insurance liability.

Rylie’s Smile Foundation was founded by Rylie Maedler in 2015. When Rylie was 7 years old, she suffered from aggressive bone tumors and seizures. Working with specialists, Rylie received treatment using alternative medication and had great success. Her foundation has advocated for several law changes in Delaware to improve safe access to nontraditional pediatric treatments. Rylie’s Law allows access to medical cannabis for pediatric patients with a severe diagnosis.

Now attending Temple University, Rylie continues to advocate for improvements on international, federal and state levels, helping policymakers and doctors find less-toxic therapies for seriously sick children. 

Each month, the foundation assists an average of 75 families with a child who is terminally ill or has a severe, life-altering diagnosis, and works with their treating medical teams to improve symptom management and quality of life.

A pre-celebration will be held during packet pickup from 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 26, with live music and a silent auction fundraiser in the beer garden at Thompson Island Brewing. The day following the 5K run/walk, the Lighthouse in Dewey Beach will donate a portion of each orange crush sold to Rylie’s Smile Foundation, Friday, Nov. 28, at 124 Dickinson Ave., Dewey Beach.

For more information, go to races2run.com and RyliesSmileFoundation.org.