CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — Sometimes, becoming a hero doesn’t start with a cape—it starts with a single step. For Carl*, a young person in care at Cunningham Children’s Home, that step came last fall when he joined the Run Club to train for the Be a Hero 5K.

At the time, Carl was navigating one of the hardest seasons of his life—discouraged, isolated, and making choices that only added to his pain. He struggled to see purpose in his days. But Cunningham staff saw something in him and encouraged him to try running—not just for fitness, but for focus, healing, and hope.

Carl started showing up. Quietly. Lap after lap. Slowly, something shifted. As he ran, staff noticed his expression change—not just from physical effort, but from reflection, like each mile helped him process more than just distance.

Then one day, mid-run, Carl noticed others falling behind. Instead of pulling ahead, he slowed down, adjusted his pace, and began running alongside his peers. Without saying much, he became a source of encouragement—a quiet leader emerging from the very struggle he was overcoming.

Race day wasn’t without challenges. Carl wrestled with doubt and setbacks, but he made it to the starting line—and finished in the top 10 for his age group. More importantly, after crossing the finish, Carl kept running—taking one more lap, this time to cheer on the friends and staff who’d supported him along the way.

For more information on the Be a Hero 5K, click here.

*Name changed to protect privacy.