Locals raised more than $10,500 Saturday for the Hope and Cope program at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham.

Caitie’s Army, an organization founded to raise money for childhood cancer research in honor of Straughn’s Caitie Rhodes, who has battled brain cancer, teamed up with Children’s to raise money for the program.

Organizer Tee Terry said this was the first year that the family fun day was held at the Kiwanis Center.

“This is going to be an annual event,” she said.

The new event included a Day of Hope 5K color run, benefit motorcycle ride, and a family fun day with live entertainment and arts and crafts.

Terry said the weather was wonderful and the kids at the event had a blast.

“There is no way to thank all of the sponsors, and everyone who made this possible,” she said. “But we appreciate it so much.”

Terry said it’s crucial that more is done for childhood cancer research.

“It needs to be as important as breast cancer,” she said. “These kids have got to have a chance.”

The Hope and Cope Program provides support and services from diagnosis onward using a family-centered approach, where the family and health care providers are partners working together to best meet the needs of the patient.

Terry said she would like more local participation next year.

For more info, call Terry at  504-4095.