Lace Up for a Cause: Paige's Butterfly Run is Coming to Downtown Syracuse
Some causes stop you in your tracks. Childhood cancer is one of them.
For over 25 years, Paige's Childhood Cancer Fund has been a critical part of Central New York's efforts to fight cancer and blood disorders in children — funding research, raising awareness, and supporting the families who need it most.
And every year, they bring the entire community together for one of central new york’s most cherished events: Paige's Butterfly Run.
This year, the run celebrates a major milestone — and we want to make sure you're there for it.
The 30th Annual Paige's Butterfly Run
Saturday, June 6, 2026 | Downtown Syracuse, NY Held in conjunction with the Taste of Syracuse Presented by Alan Byer Volvo
this year marks the 30th annual Paige's Butterfly Run. Three decades of runners, walkers, families, and community members showing up for kids with cancer. It's one of the region's beloved 5K races, and it's so much more than a run.
This family-friendly event has something for everyone:
🏃 5K USATF Certified Race
🚶 3K Fitness Run/Walk
🤝 5K Centipede Team Division — run as a team
🐛 Caterpillar Crawl — for kids under 5 years old
Whether you're a seasoned runner or lacing up for the first time, there's a place for you at the starting line.
Where Your Dollars Go:
Proceeds from the Paige's Butterfly Run benefit the Dr. William J. Waters Center for Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders at Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital in Syracuse, NY.
Every dollar raised goes toward funding local pediatric cancer research and patient programs that make a real difference for children and families in Central New York and beyond.
Come for the Race, Stay for the Taste
The Butterfly Run is held in conjunction with the Taste of Syracuse — downtown Syracuse's kick-off to summer.
Spanning from Clinton Square to the Chase Building, the Taste features samples from local restaurants, live music across three stages, and the kind of community energy that makes syracuse special.
More Ways to Get Involved
Can't make the event on june 6? There are plenty of other ways to support the cause:
Host a Pajamarama Day at your school or workplace
the story behind the butterfly
In 1993, Paige Yeomans Arnold was a seemingly healthy 6-year-old first grader in Baldwinsville, NY when she was diagnosed with leukemia.
She was treated at what is now the Dr. William J. Waters Center at Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital. Paige underwent a bone marrow transplant at Boston Children's Hospital in 1994 in an effort to cure her leukemia. Sadly, complications from the transplant led to her passing in August of that year.
In the spring of 1997, a group of teachers at her elementary school approached her parents, Chris and Ellen, with a wish to honor Paige in what would have been her final year at the school. Together, they organized a walk/run event — with all proceeds benefiting a college scholarship fund and the Center for Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders in Paige's memory.
The butterfly was chosen as the symbol of the event not only because Paige loved them, but because they reflected who she was: beautiful and gentle, but strong beyond imagining.
Nearly 30 years later, that first small event has grown into one of Central New York's most beloved 5K races — and the organization her memory inspired, Paige's Childhood Cancer Fund, continues to show up for children and families who need it most. Every step taken is still in her honor.
Thank You to Paige's Childhood Cancer Fund
We are proud to recognize Paige's Childhood Cancer Fund as a Gold Community Sponsor of the 2026 CNY Women's Summit.
For over 25 years, Paige's Childhood Cancer Fund has been a critical part of Central New York's efforts to fight cancer and blood disorders in children. This year alone, over 60 children will be newly diagnosed at Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital — and the impact of a diagnosis reaches far beyond the child, affecting their entire family and community. Paige's Childhood Cancer Fund exists to help the families who have already heard "your child has cancer," and those who will soon hear those words.
The Dr. William J. Waters Center at Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital serves close to 700 children each year while conducting research for tomorrow's cures — and Paige's Childhood Cancer Fund is a key part of making that possible.
about the 2026 cny women’s summit
Hosted by CNY Women’s Network, the 2026 CNY Women’s Summit marks five years of impact, connection, and momentum.
This year, we’re going deeper — with high-level programming led by industry experts, designed to sharpen your skills, expand your influence, and reignite your purpose.
about the 2026 cny women’s market
Hosted by CNY Women’s Network, the 2026 CNY Women’s market was held at the marriott syracuse downtown on march 28, 2026.
This annual event celebrates and supports women-owned businesses, artists, and creators across Central New York—come shop and discover it all. it’s free to attend and open to the public.
about the cny women’s network:
THE CNY WOMEN’S NETWORK, host of the annual cny women’s summit, IS An independent for-profit media company THAT CONNECTS, SUPPORTS, AND EMPOWERS WOMEN PROFESSIONALS ACROSS upstate NEW YORK.
DISCOVER OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPAND YOUR NETWORK, PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS, AND FIND INSPIRATION here.
for access to exclusive opportunities, join our membership community, the collective by cnywn. start an individual or corporate plan here.
