ABC6 ‘Runs for Brayden’ at Rhode Island Half Marathon

May 19, 2024 2:33 pm

Matt Couture,

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Members of the ABC6 News staff and more than a thousand others laced up their sneakers for the inaugural Rhode Island Half Marathon and 5K Sunday morning at Pierce Memorial Stadium.

Two members of our news team ran in the 5K race, and two others ran in the half marathon.

Members of the ABC6 News staff pose for a photo at the Rhode Island Half Marathon and 5K (WLNE).

The ABC6 team ran in support of Brayden Cabral, a Swansea teen battling leukemia.

He’s been receiving treatment at Boston Children’s Hospital since late February.

ABC6 News reporter Kaitlin Gehlhaus first interviewed Brayden’s mom, Kelly DiGiammo, back in March. At the time, the Swansea community had rallied behind his fight — from signs at local schools to fundraisers at restaurants in town.

More than $50,000 has been raised on a GoFundMe page for Brayden.

Kaitlin was particularly inspired by Brayden’s fight because her father beat acute myeloid leukemia 14 years ago.

She had the chance to visit Brayden at Boston Children’s Hospital in early April to check in on his health, and even play a little pickleball in the hallway.

Brayden’s mom Kelly tells us he’s started stem cell treatment, and so far has tolerated chemotherapy well.

Kelli Baggott also joined the ABC6 team on the course this morning, running in the 5K. Kelli teaches Brayden’s younger brother, Chace, in school.

Kelli Baggott, who teaches Brayden’s younger brother in school, joined the ABC6 team and finished the 5K (Courtesy of Kelli Baggott).

From our staff, Good Morning Providence anchor Karah Bailey and technical media operator Nathan Sloat finished the 5K.

ABC6 News reporter Kaitlin Gehlhaus and digital content producer Ryan Medeiros both finished the half marathon. Ryan finished third overall in a field of more than 1,400 runners.