Running to remember: 5K run honors woman killed at Lake Powell


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SALT LAKE CITY — Hundreds will fill Sugarhouse Park Saturday morning to honor a beautiful, bright young woman who died too young.

Valerie Rae Bradshaw died this summer, one of three who were killed in a boat accident at Lake Powell. But Valerie's death was only one piece of a story that's still living.

Most people wouldn't call the death of a loved one a miracle, but that's just what Valerie's loved ones are saying about the resulting circumstances after Valerie's death.

"We've had a lot of good things happen because of this," said Viki Bradshaw, Valerie's mother.

Vic and Viki Bradshaw's daughter was killed at the age of 29. She was full of life, had beauty both inside and out, and a personality that was second to none, according to friends and family.

The Bradshaw family, countless friends, even total strangers offered support.

"We just had a lot of people right away that came and comforted and helped us. So that helped a lot," Viki said.

One of the most endearing offers came from one of the most unexpected people and an unexpected time, weeks after Valerie's funeral.

Chrissy Ciancanelli was Valerie's friend in college, but she didn't hear about her death right away.

She came to the Bradshaws with the idea for the "Rae of Light" 5K run to honor Valerie and to raise money for the missionary fund for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a cause close to Valerie's heart.

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"The accident was so tragic and her life was so positive and full of light, I wanted so badly to represent some good news about her," Ciancanelli said.

"I think it helps the mourning process when you think about doing something bigger and better than just mourning," Viki said.

Nearly 500 runners and countless envelopes of support later, it's clear the circumstances following Valerie's death are a positive reflection of Valerie's life.

"We feel like she's died for a good cause, maybe is the way to put it," Viki said.

The 5K starts at 9 a.m. Saturday in Sugarhouse Park. Runners will still be allowed to register starting at 8:30 a.m.

"Rae of Light"

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Andrew Wittenberg

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