Our Founders

Family is at our core. In 2001, Sophie and her Packer Collegiate classmates founded Kids Walk to raise money for pediatric cancer research. At the time, Sophie's brother, Simon, was finishing treatment for stage IV neuroblastoma at Memorial Sloan Kettering.

Staples Family

Inspired by his successful outcome, Sophie and her friends vowed to make a difference on behalf of other kids with cancer.

Together, they organized an event they called the “Packer Walk for Pediatric Cancer.” Exceeding all expectations, the students raised over $35,000 for MSK, and the idea of an annual walk to raise money and awareness was born.

kids walk

Brooklyn to Central Park

In 2002, Sophie and her friends expanded the event by inviting six other schools to participate. What began as an 8th grade homeroom project evolved and was renamed "Kids Walk for Kids with Cancer." In 2003, Kids Walk relocated from Brooklyn to Central Park, where the event has been held ever since. Motivated by Sophie and Simon's passion, others have followed in their footsteps, creating new school and family teams.

Team Roar

Kids Helping Kids

The event continues to grow and attract more students, families, and supporters each year. And now with our name, “Kids Walk for MSK Kids,” we’re reinforcing our collective dedication to supporting innovative research at MSK Kids, the world-renowned pediatric program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.