The young fundraiser raised $3,000 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) and another $1,000 to support awareness of neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC), a disease affecting a member of his family.
Thirteen-year-old Charlie “Chaz” turned his birthday into an opportunity to help others, organising an annual 5K fundraiser that raised $4,000 in 2025. For the fourth consecutive year, Chaz brought together family, friends and community supporters to raise money for children with brain tumours and a cause close to his family. What made the event particularly remarkable was that Chaz was dealing with a painful herniated disc that caused leg weakness in the weeks leading up to the run. Despite the setback, he chose to walk the 5K rather than cancel it.
In 2025, he organised the event for the fourth year in a row, using his birthday as an opportunity to raise funds and awareness for causes that matter to him. Chaz’s 2025 fundraiser combined a personal milestone with community support for two causes. The $4,000 raised was divided between PBTF and neuroendocrine carcinoma awareness, while his decision to walk the 5K allowed him to continue the event despite his injury.
Because a member of his family is battling the disease, chaz also raised $1,000 for neuroendocrine carcinoma awareness, a cause that holds personal significance.
He has been supported by a group known as the “Chaz Bus Crew”, which has accompanied him in his charitable activities. Chaz’s annual 5K has grown into a family and community tradition, bringing together people who want to support children affected by brain tumours. Chaz set himself a goal of carrying out charitable acts in his community every month, extending his efforts beyond a single annual event. Neuroendocrine carcinoma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that develops from neuroendocrine cells. Chaz’s decision to raise money for awareness of the disease reflects its personal significance to his family, although the foundation’s profile does not identify the relative affected. Through an annual birthday 5K and other community initiatives, Chaz has shown how a young person can bring family, friends and supporters together to help others.