Liliana Pickens is always up for a walk or run, but there's a purpose behind every step.
"I'm not here to find a cure for my son's illness," Pickens said. "There's no cure for that. I'm not here to find a cure for cancer, but if I can help someone out, then that's what we'll do."
In 2013, Pickens' son was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disorder that requires expensive treatment.
"We were lucky enough that our insurance covered everything, but each chemo that we took was $25,000 and at that point, I looked at my friends and I said, 'We need to do something to help someone else,'" Pickens said.
Pickens' friends are the 85 members of the Lake Nona Run Club. Last year, the first ever Lake Nona Half Marathon featured more than 1,000 participants.
This year's race will benefit three families, including a young girl who just finished undergoing chemotherapy at Nemours Children's Hospital in Orlando.
"I think it's cool that they're trying to help people," said Kaylee Hatfield, who endured 2.5 years of chemotherapy. "I try to help, too, because I make the Easter baskets and Christmas presents and stuff. I bring it up there. ... It's nice to see the smiles on their faces."
The group gets word from school or friends that a child is in the hospital or in treatment and that the family might need some financial help.
"I think our first instinct as humans is to do good and to be kind," Pickens said. "I think the run club just gives that opportunity to the people in the community."
The Lake Nona Half Marathon is Oct. 25. There is still time to participate or donate. For more information, go to www.lakenonahalfmarathon.org.