As we get closer to the Casey Cares 5K, we are excited to share the latest installment of "Every Runner Has A Reason!" Please welcome Serik Czarnecki!

Serik, who started running to simply stay in shape, says that he then had "gotten COVID and hurt my knee really badly and wanted some simple way of maintaining fitness."

"Pretty soon after I'd realized how fulfilling it was, and how much I was getting out of it," Serik states.

For him the best part about running is "when your brain is able to just shut off and you can run automatically without too much thought or effort and it feels like you're gliding with my music playing in the background. I can't run without my headphones!"

Serik decided to participate in the Casey Cares 5K last year because he "wanted to support a good cause and I also wanted to participate in a race that would allow me to test myself."

Not only did Serik run last year, he also won the Top Male in the 20-29 age category! 

We’re so thankful for participants like Serik, who help us provide ongoing, fun, and free activities and programs for critically ill children and their families who face every day with medical challenges and numerous harsh treatments.

Casey Cares 14th Annual 5K/1-Mile Walk at the Maryland Zoo is next week on August 5th! Register to run or walk today to support our programs for critically ill kids and their families HERE.