Community Corner

Family Keeps Sean Fischel's Memory Alive

"If Sean is in the hearts and minds of other people, then he's not forgotten," says Kim Fischel, who, with help from volunteers, is organizing a 5k in her son's name this fall.

Sean Fischel, at just 7 years old, has already touched hundreds—maybe thousands—of lives. 

The Moorestown boy died in January of HLH (hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis), a rare autoimmune disorder. Since then, his family has strived to share his memory and make sure it is never forgotten.

Along with a group of close friends and supporters, Sean's mother, Kim, has formed a steering committee—Sean Fischel Connect—aimed at bringing people together and supporting the community through good works, all in Sean's name. The group's first event, the Sean Fischel Connect5k, will be held in October.

Proceeds from the race will benefit the Moorestown Library and the township Parks and Recreation Department. All the money from previous Sean Fischel fundraisers has gone to HLH research at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, but Kim said after everything the community has done for her family over the last several months, she wanted to give back locally.

"We have received so, so much support from this community that we want to give back here," said Kim. 

The race will be held at noon Oct. 13 on the cross country course behind Moorestown High School. The trail begins by the high school parking lot, winds its way through the woods behind the school, and ends back at the parking lot. 

Kim said the committee chose a 5k because it's an "extremely accessible" event and stressed that it's "definitely not a hard-core run."

"We wanted something that could involve the entire community," she said.

Registration is $20. Runners will receive a T-shirt, and possibly a race bag filled with "goodies," said Kim. "We're still figuring everything out."

According to Kim, the Sean Fischel Connect committee is in the process of registering officially as a 501c3 non-profit. She credited the "amazing group of women" involved in the committee for getting the ball rolling on the 5k and 501c3 certification.

After enduring the heartbreak of losing her youngest child too soon, Kim has found peace in the idea of keeping her son's memory alive.

"If Sean is in the hearts and minds of other people, then he's not forgotten," she said. "And as a mom, that's the most important thing. It's what gets me through."

Sign up for the Sean Fischel Connect5k here.

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