Alana's Eternal Light 5K

Event Overview

On September 3, 2025, Alana VanMeter passed suddenly due to a pulmonary embolism. Three days prior to her passing, she asked her mother what she would do if she were to pass suddenly. Her mother told her she would want to start a scholarship fund in her memory. Months later Alana’s Wings of Hope was born to honor that promise: along with supporting activities that were important to Alana and helping other families impacted by sudden and tragic losses.

Event Details

• Date: August 22, 2026
• Location: 13100 Cherry Rd, Genoa, IL
• Race URL: Alana's Eternal Light 5K
• Start Location: CrossWind Community Church

Celebration of Life

Please come and help us celebrate what would’ve been Alana’s 16th birthday. The race will run through Alana’s neighborhood passing her home so she can “see” all the runners. The path will continue along her bus route before returning back to the church. This sunset run is to take place when the sky is painted in shades of purple (Alana’s favorite color). We would love it if you could help us in wishing Alana a Happy Birthday this year.

Hope and Inspiration

In the darkest moment of our lives, our beautiful 15-year-old daughter passed from a pulmonary embolism. Hope became the guiding light that helped us find our way out of the darkness. It is now our desire that Alana's Wings of Hope will continue to spread light and hope to a community that Alana loved.