About Ben and Us

Diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia shortly after he turned two, Ben Layton bravely battled the disease. Yet all that medicine could offer was not enough.

Aware that he was going to die, Ben daydreamed about the new life he would have after his death and was certain that he would receive red angel wings. Ben received his wings on May 29, 2002, months after his fourth birthday.

Inspired by Ben’s bravery and in celebration of his spirit, thousands of Lower Shore volunteers joined to build the Ben’s Red Swings playground at the Salisbury Zoo entrance of the city park in 2004. It is our hope that the Ben Layton Memorial 5K Run/Walk will continue to celebrate Ben’s life and the lives of all those touched by leukemia and other blood cancers.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education, and patient services.

The Society's mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and myeloma and toimprove the quality of life of patients and their families.

Since its founding in 1949, the Society has invested more than $424 million for research specifically targeting blood cancers.

For more information about leukemia, lymphoma, and related blood cancers, and patient services call The Leukemia &Lymphoma Society at 1-800-242-4572 or visit www.lls.org/md .

About Ben's Red Swings Community Playground

Ben's Red Swings was built by the community in 2004. The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore manages the endowment. Volunteers actively fund-raise and maintain this wonderful community playground. To find out more about giving please visit www.cfes.org. To learn more about the playground visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BRSCP.

In 2006, a group of dedicated LLS volunteers who are active participants in the "Team in Training" program, pooled their individual talents and resources to organize a 5K run/walk to benefit the society.

One of the original members, the late Erin Drew, was very close to the Layton family. She provided loving support to them during the time Ben fought his battle. From this relationship, the Layton family allowed us to memorialize their son with this event. The honor is truly ours.

Erin was the anchor on this committee for two years and now she is missed more than words can ever tell. Her spirit and passion to be there for those she knew and those God put in her path has inspired others to step up to the plate for causes that were important to her and this community.

May her spirit and passion to make a difference in the lives of others keep all of us inspired to carry on important events like this for years to come.

May her memory be eternal...

Questions: email us at info@benlayton5k.com