Take Part Foundation sets 2026 Donut Run for rare pediatric disease research

The St. Louis nonprofit will host its annual Donut Run on Oct. 3 at The Hub STL in Chesterfield, with proceeds supporting rare pediatric disease research and genetic testing costs for families. The event also caps a $100,000 2026 contribution to St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

Why it matters: - The Donut Run helps fund rare pediatric disease research in St. Louis. - Proceeds also support genetic testing for families facing insurance denials, underinsurance or other financial barriers. - Genetic testing is often the first step toward a diagnosis for children with rare conditions.

What happened: - The Take Part Foundation will host its annual Donut Run on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 7:30 a.m. at The Hub STL in Chesterfield, Missouri. - The family-friendly run/walk will raise awareness and money for rare pediatric disease research and family testing costs. - At 10:30 a.m., Take Part Foundation will present a check to WashU Medicine physicians from the Genetics and Genomic Medicine Program at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. - The presentation will complete the foundation’s $100,000 contribution for 2026.

The details: - The event will include coffee, donuts and treats from local vendors. - Organizers also plan music, face painting, balloons, fitness challenges and other family activities. - Monarch Fire Department will send off runners with a flag drop. - The return of “donut runners” will let participants race while carrying full boxes of donuts. - Lindenwood University’s national champion cheerleading squad will form a tunnel for runners. - Evolve Auto Boutique will provide complimentary wheelchair washes and detailing on-site for rare disease warriors. - A live DJ will play throughout the event. - Other vendors include the Critical Care Transport Team at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Rosemary Woods Design, Wild and Raw Juice, Welded Horn, Different at School, Katie Kough, Jbloom, The Knock Podcast, Freedom Fitness of O'Fallon, 9 Round - St. Peters and Orange Theory Fitness of Chesterfield. - The event is co-presented by Katie Kough, an author and illustrator, and The Knock Podcast. - Additional support comes from Posted Social, Cornerstone Caregiving, Opus Design Build, the Ford Family, Chloe Carnahan Gerrity of Signature Realty, Laura Michel-Lang Insurance, The Travel Gals - Kristin Zessinger, Bates Fitness Co. and Welded Horn. - Registration remains open through the end of September. - More information is available at Take Part Foundation. - Registration and sponsorship details are available at Donut Run registration.

Between the lines: - Take Part Foundation says the annual event is part of a broader effort to mobilize the local rare disease community around children and families. - Since founding the organization in 2021, Matt and Maria Granados have raised more than $750,000 for rare disease research and genetic testing access. - The foundation was created after the Granados family’s daughter, Natalie, was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder, PYROXD1. - The event’s mix of a 5K, food and kid-friendly activities is designed to broaden participation beyond typical fundraising runs.

What’s next: - Take Part Foundation will continue taking registrations and sponsorships through the end of September. - The Oct. 3 event will end with the 2026 funding presentation to St. Louis Children’s Hospital clinicians. - The foundation expects the run to keep expanding support for rare pediatric disease research and diagnosis access.

The bottom line: - The Donut Run is both a fundraiser and a community rally for families navigating rare pediatric diseases.