The Preemie Foundation of Jamaica has launched its Pedal & Stroll – Cycle, Run, Walk for Preemies – charity 5K event set for Sunday, November 16, along Ocean Boulevard in downtown Kingston.

Proceeds from the event will help to fund the construction of a special care nursery for premature babies at the Princess Margaret Hospital in St Thomas, according to the organisers.

The launch took place on Thursday, September 18, at the Toyota Jamaica showroom in St Andrew.

Serika Sterling, founder and chairwoman of the foundation, shared that the initiative is deeply personal. After giving birth prematurely to triplets, of whom only one survived, she spent four months in the hospital witnessing firsthand the urgent need for improved neonatal care in Jamaica. That experience inspired her to establish the foundation in 2017.

“Pedal & Stroll is more than just a race, it’s a way to rally support for preemies who need specialized care to survive and thrive,” Sterling said. “Our goal is to turn awareness into action and build a lasting impact for families across the island.”

The event also forms part of Preemie Awareness Month, observed globally in November.

The event welcomes cyclists, runners, and walkers to complete a looped 5K along Kingston’s waterfront.

Speaking at the launch, Dr Wayne Palmer, President of the Jamaica Cycling Federation, said that the cycling component further strengthens the event and supports the focus on wellness.

“Adding cycling to the format gives the event a fresh twist and expands the ways people can take part; it also brings a new dimension to the traditional 5K,” Palmer said.

The event is also being supported by the National Healthcare Enhancement Foundation (NHEF).

Courtney Cephas, Executive Director, NHEF, in his remarks said, “Supporting the Preemie Foundation in this effort reflects exactly what the NHEF is about – strengthening healthcare where it matters most. Upgrading the Nursery Unit at Princess Margaret Hospital is not just an investment in infrastructure, it’s an investment in families, in healthier communities, and in the future of Jamaica.”

Registration for Pedal & Stroll is now open, and individuals, teams, and corporate groups can register at my.raceresult.com. For team registrations, please contact 876-896-0596/876-322-5940 or send an email to preemiefoundation@sasjm.com. The contribution per participant is JMD $2,500. Donations are also welcome.