Candace Lee Williams 5K Run to Remember Honors 9/11 Victim, Raises Funs for First Responders

Leading up to the 10 year anniversary of 9/11 last year, a group of women, now known as Friends of Candace, knew that they wanted to do something that let Candace and their community know that she has never and will never be forgotten and will always live on in their hearts, minds, and actions. The ‘something’ they decided on was developing Friends of Candace and creating the first annual Candace Lee Williams 5K Run to Remember. This year, the 2nd Annual Race to Remember will be held on Saturday, September 29.

Candace Lee Williams lost her life on September 11, 2001 aboard American Airlines flight 11, headed to California for vacation before beginning her junior year of college. Although the group lost Candace that day, they say her spirit and presence has never left them. The Candace Lee Williams 5K Run to Remember honors Candace and all those who lost their lives in connection with September 11, 2001.  

In developing the race, the women felt strongly hat they raise money not only in Candace’s memory but also to help surviving First Responders who are still suffering as a direct result of their courageous and selfless service. They decided to donate proceeds equally between the Candace Lee Williams Memorial Scholarship Fund at Immaculate High School, where their friendships began, and Tuesday’s Children – First Responder Alliance Program, a NYC-based agency that works with families of 9/11 and with First Responders. 

The 5K run/walk will begin at Tarrywile Park in Danbury where a tree was planted in Candace’s memory shortly after her passing. This site holds much significance for Friends of Candace, as it both reminds them how immense their grief was in those early days, months, and even years following the tragedy and also represents the beginning of their healing. Almost eleven years later, their pain is still there, but today they are able to experience the joy that comesg with remembering a dear friend and living their lives in honor of the life Candace lost.  

The Candace Lee Williams 5K Run to Remember will be held Saturday, September 29 at 9 a.m. Details, including race registration, can be found at www.friendsofcandace.com. 

FYI… members of Friends of Candace include Alyson Meeker Halas, Amy Pote Martins, Beth Keane, Lauren Memoli, and Kate Ricci Resendes.