Run held to help find bone marrow match for girl - Los Angeles Local News, Weather, and Traffic

Hundreds turned out for a 5K run at Piedmont Park on Monday to help a 12-year-old girl with sickle cell anemia.

Valaria Fenderson and her mother have been on a campaign to find a bone marrow match for her while also trying to help others who need a match.

Cameca Wright said that her daughter has been in out of the hospital. Her latest stint was on Friday.

"I can't stay out in cold for a long time.  I can't be in the heat for a long time. I can't run a lot. Just have to keep drinking water.  It's basically a lot that other normal children that I can't do, that they do," said Valaria.

Wright said her daughter was very excited about the "Let Free Run" MLK Day 5K held on Monday.

"She is positive, but… the wintertime is not our time of the year because of the weather changes and things of that nature. But for the most part her spirits are up and she is very excited about today," Wright.

The mother-daughter duo has been working nonstop to find a match for Valaria. The two have even setup a website valariafendersonfoundation.org for the public to keep up with her progress.

"It's helping other kids with sickle cell fight the disease. Just trying to do what I can do to help others and help myself," said Fenderson.

If you're interested in getting tested, visit beamatch.org.