#SmileLikeKay Across America – Virtual 5K Walk
Join us for #SmileLikeKay Across America, a virtual 5K walk happening on October 25th at 10:00 AM (EST)— live on TikTok! This special event is not just a walk; it’s a movement to raise awareness for Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD) and to bring hope, joy, and meaningful support to families affected by this rare disease.
Participants from across the country are invited to walk, jog, or roll in their neighborhoods while we walk together virtually. Create a team, gather your friends and family, and fundraise to help us:
- Deliver more Smile Like Kay Boxes to children at Duke Children’s Hospital
- Donate a custom adaptive bike to a child who needs it — a gift that is often denied by insurance, yet provides immeasurable joy and health benefits
How to Join
- Register for the event and create a fundraising team
- Encourage donations and share your “why” with your community
- Tune in live on TikTok (@SmileLikeKay) at 10 AM EST on October 25th for the kickoff and celebration
Registration Details
- $50 Registration includes:
- The team captain receiving a free event T-shirt
- Any other team members may purchase a T-shirt for $25 each
- All profits support Smile Like Kay, funding care boxes, adaptive equipment, and more
Once registered, Team Captains are encouraged to share their Team Name and our donation link with friends, family, and on social media to help raise funds and awareness. When donating, supporters should be reminded to include your Team Name.
Prizes & Recognition
We love a little friendly competition for a good cause!
- The top THREE fundraising teams will receive special shoutouts live during the TikTok event on October 25th
- The #1 fundraising team will be specially highlighted and celebrated during the live stream
Let’s walk together, raise awareness, and put smiles on the faces of children who need them most.
About Smile Like Kay
Smile Like Kay is an initiative dedicated to honoring the joyful spirit and legacy of Kay, a brightly smiling little girl who courageously battled Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD) — a rare, progressive, and devastating genetic disorder. Our mission is to bring comfort, joy, and a sense of normalcy to children enduring long-term stays in the pediatric bone marrow unit at Duke Children’s Hospital.
Through the Smile Like Kay Boxes, we deliver carefully curated care packages filled with activities, comforting items, and a whole lot of love. These boxes are designed to lift spirits during difficult treatments and remind children and families that they’re not alone. We also work to raise funds for essential adaptive equipment — such as adaptive bikes — that insurance often doesn’t cover but that provide children with joy, mobility, and therapeutic benefits.
At Smile Like Kay, we believe every child deserves a reason to smile, no matter their diagnosis.
Want to Donate?
You can donate directly using the link below. All donations go towards getting a custom adaptive bike to a child who needs it!
Rare Creates
Additional Team Shirts
