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. 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. 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.
A birthday tradition built around giving back
Chaz’s annual 5K has grown into a family and community tradition, bringing together people who want to support children affected by brain tumours. 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.The fundraiser generated $3,000 for PBTF, which supports childhood brain tumour research and provides resources for affected families. Chaz also raised $1,000 for neuroendocrine carcinoma awareness, a cause that holds personal significance because a member of his family is battling the disease.His mother said Chaz has long had a passion for helping others. Even as he faced his own health challenges, she said, he never considered cancelling the event.
A herniated disc did not stop him from taking part
In the weeks before the 2025 event, Chaz developed a herniated disc that caused significant pain and weakness in his legs. His condition required an MRI at midnight and extensive physical therapy.Despite the discomfort, Chaz remained committed to the fundraiser. Rather than running the course, he walked the 5K alongside friends while other participants ran.His decision allowed him to continue the birthday tradition while adapting to his physical limitations. The experience became a defining part of his 2025 fundraiser, demonstrating his determination to support the causes he had chosen even when participating was more difficult than expected.
His fundraising efforts extended beyond the 5K
Chaz continued supporting the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation after his birthday event. In November 2025, he joined PBTF and the Boston Celtics for the “Move4Heather” event, rallying friends to participate in a 50/50 auction.During the holiday season, he also organised a grocery gift-card drive for families in need. Donors received special gift bags containing holiday fudge and other treats supplied by local bakers and sponsors.Chaz set himself a goal of carrying out charitable acts in his community every month, extending his efforts beyond a single annual event. He has been supported by a group known as the “Chaz Bus Crew”, which has accompanied him in his charitable activities.
The causes behind his fundraiser
The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation is a US non-profit organisation that supports childhood brain tumour research, provides resources for affected families and advocates for policies to improve care for young patients. The foundation says its work is aimed at advancing research and helping families navigate the challenges that follow a child’s diagnosis.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.By supporting both causes, Chaz used his birthday fundraiser to direct attention and donations towards childhood brain tumours and a separate disease affecting someone close to him.
A young fundraiser determined to keep helping
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.His efforts also continued through the “Move4Heather” event and the holiday gift-card drive, reflecting his goal of making charitable acts part of his routine throughout the year.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.
