Ottumwa Police No Shave November Fundraiser Helps Young Girl Battling Leukemia

Registration for November 22nd Run for the Kids 5K extended through Monday, November 9th

OTTUMWA, Iowa – The Ottumwa Police Association is raising money for a two-year-old girl battling leukemia. Community members can register for a special 5K fundraiser to support her family until Monday, November 9th.

This year’s No Shave November campaign is helping Ashtyn Runyon, a young girl from the Keosauqua area who will turn three later this month.

Ashtyn was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in June. She is being treated at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, and her medical care is expected to continue through 2029.

Ottumwa Police Officer Levi Ritz recently visited the Oskaloosa News studio to talk about the fundraiser and ways the community can help.

Ritz explained that Ashtyn’s mother left her job to care for the children, so the family now has only one income while dealing with medical expenses, household bills, and frequent trips to Iowa City.

No Shave November aims to ease those financial pressures and support the whole family.

The department started its No Shave November fundraiser in 2014 as a small effort to support Bras for a Cause.

Over the years, the program supported other local charities, then shifted its focus to helping children battling cancer around 2019.

In 2021, Ritz expanded the fundraiser so local businesses and the public could also donate.

Last year, the campaign raised over $20,000 for five-year-old Leo Rodriguez, who was battling a brain tumor.

This year, donations will help Ashtyn’s family pay for groceries, gas, medical expenses, and other daily needs.

Organizers welcome cash donations, gift cards, and other contributions. You can find donation information on the Ottumwa Police Association No Shave November Facebook page or bring donations to the Ottumwa Police Department.

The first Run for the Kids 5K is set for Sunday, November 22nd, at 9 a.m. at the Southeast Iowa JBS Sports Complex, 103 Church Street in Ottumwa.

The registration deadline is now Monday, November 9th.

Runners and walkers are welcome, and participants can bring strollers. Registration is $30, with all proceeds going to Ashtyn’s family.

Kendra Thompson, whose family received help from the No Shave November fundraiser in the past, organized the event.

Children who benefited from the program in past years will help hand out medals to participants at the finish line.

You can find race information and register at:

If you have questions about registration, contact Kendra Thompson at 641-777-2288.

The Ottumwa Police Association will keep collecting donations throughout November.

The organization is also raising awareness on its Facebook page, including a merchandise giveaway supported by Samantha Harbour of Harbour9 Creations.

An October 28th update from the association shared that Ashtyn finished her first 28-day round of chemotherapy. Her family said she faced some medical challenges during treatment but was still able to enjoy camping, visiting a pumpkin patch, and going to community events. Ritz said the annual fundraiser is about more than just raising money. It shows families facing childhood cancer that their community cares and wants to help.

The department plans to give donations and Christmas gifts to the family in mid-December. Siblings will also receive gifts, with help from Santa Tracy Songer.

If you want to contribute or learn more, visit the Ottumwa Police Association No Shave November Facebook page.

You can also find information about the 5K on the Run for the Kids Facebook event.

Posted by Staff Writer on Nov 8 2026. Filed under Local News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.