Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — Brady Flamm lost his daughter to cancer but hasn’t let go of her fighting spirit.
As president of Millie's Princess Foundation, a charitable organization named for his daughter, Flamm organized a 5K run Saturday to benefit other families who face the financial burden of childhood cancer.
“She was an absolute inspiration. No matter what she had to go through, or how hard it was, she just continued to smile and want to help other people around her,” Flamm said of his daughter.
Millie Flamm passed away a little more than a year ago. She was 7 years old, but her dad said her age belied her power. After two bouts with leukemia, Millie remained strong and wanted others to do the same.
“One of her hardest times in the hospital, where she was so sick, she just got up and took a window marker and wrote ‘stay strong’ on the window,” Flamm said.
Saturday’s race at Sugarhouse Park was the third annual Millie’s Princess Foundation 5K Run/Walk. The event brought bundles of participants riding in horse- drawn carriages, donning tutus in honor of Millie.
But the real honorees of the run were the two families who received donations to help their own kids fighting cancer. Branda Bird was one of those moms.
“To be around this and to have so many people who care to support us and say, ‘You’re not alone’; it’s the most amazing feeling in the world,” Bird said.
Her son J.T. was diagnosed with cancer this past December. He is currently on his 19th week of treatment and has 112 weeks left to go. Bird said the 5K run boosted her family's morale, despite the hardships they face.
“No, you can’t imagine cancer until you’re in the cancer world,” she said, “and then you realize what a tight-knit community it is.”
Millie's Princess Foundation is all volunteer-based. Flamm said this helps the organization give as much money as possible to families in need. For more information on how you can help, visit www.milliesprincessfoundation.org.
Contributing: Brooke Walker
