Girl takes on Vancouver marathon to raise funds for Canuck Place

Posted May 5, 2024 2:33 pm.

Last Updated May 5, 2024 2:34 pm.

Taking on the BMO Vancouver Marathon for the fourth straight year, Charlie Cox — a young woman with spinal muscular atrophy — has joined the event to raise funds for Canuck Place Children’s Hospice.

Charlie’s mom Cherie says her daughter has once again formed team “Charlie’s Angels” and is rolling 21 km in the race, alongside her mom, stepdad, and friends.

“Charlie was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy type 1 when she was just six months old, and she was given just a few months to live because there were no treatments, there’s no cure,” Cherie said. “So Charlie’s been living with SMA and breaking down all of the walls of how long she had to live, over and over.”

Charlie Cox — a young woman with spinal muscular atrophy — has taken on the BMO Vancouver Marathon to raise funds for Canuck Place Children’s Hospice. (Canuck Place)

Charlie Cox — a young woman with spinal muscular atrophy — has taken on the BMO Vancouver Marathon to raise funds for Canuck Place Children’s Hospice. (Canuck Place)

Her mom says in her down time, 14-year-old Charlie has a lot of interests.

“She’s a computer techie, she loves music and she makes a lot of playlists on Spotify, she’s a great writer, she’s a little comedian,” Cherie said.

“She’s a great kid and she’s so smart and witty and I’m just so proud of her.”

The team has set out to reach a fundraising goal of $40,000. Last year, they raised $64,000 and expect that fundraising goal to keep increasing.

To help Charlie’s Angels reach their goal, head to Canuck Place Children’s Hospice to donate.