RUMFORD — The Rumford Rite Aid on Portland Street will sponsor a 5K fun run and walk at 10 a.m. May 5 at Hosmer Field in honor of local child Nate Gallant, currently receiving treatment for leukemia.

According to resident Marie Gauvin, she and fellow Rite Aid employee Jacquelyn Smith came up with the idea for the 5K run and walk.

“We both started running together, and we both thought that it could be a good event for the community,” Gauvin said. “Our event isn’t as professional as others. We time runners and walkers, but it’s more about having fun for us.”

The event will begin and end at Hosmer Field, with parts of the run being held on Somerset Street, Penobscot Street and Lincoln Avenue.

The 5K fun run and walk will be held in honor of Nate Gallant, 7, who is suffering from leukemia. Gauvin said Gallant is currently receiving treatment at Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital in Portland and is doing well.

“Nate’s going to be leading the fun run when it begins,” Gauvin said. “He’ll be walking with his parents during the event. He’s doing really well right now. I just took him skiing this past Sunday.”

Early registration for the event costs $15, with a T-shirt included in the cost. Forms can be picked up at Rite Aid, and the deadline is April 24. Gauvin added that people can still register to run or walk on the day of the event, starting at 9 a.m. Registration on the day of the event will cost $20, with no T-shirt included in the cost.

Gauvin said all proceeds will go to the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital.

“We’re trying to keep it local,” Gauvin said. “We’ve had five or six weeks to fundraise.”

For more information, call Gauvin at 364-2612 or Smith at 364-2969.

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