Smilin’ Rylen Run Returns to Katy in 2025 to Celebrate Organ Donation and Inspire Community Impact in Cane Island
This weekend, the Katy community will come together once again for an event that’s about far more than fitness. The Smilin’ Rylen Run, now an annual tradition in its eighth year, is a celebration of life, legacy, and the transformative power of organ donation. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Cane Island, the run honors Rylen Cowan, a bright, smiling toddler who became a hero after passing away at just 13.5 months old due to bacterial meningitis.
Though Rylen’s life was heartbreakingly short, his impact has been profound. Through organ donation, five lives were saved, and countless others have been touched by the awareness his family has raised through the Smilin’ Rylen Foundation. Rylen’s story has become a symbol of strength and hope—reminding others that even the smallest among us can leave a lasting legacy.
Presented by Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, the Smilin’ Rylen Run invites runners and walkers of all ages to participate in either a 5K or 1-mile course, beginning at 8:00 AM. Race-day registration opens at 6:45 AM, and participants are encouraged to arrive early to soak in the community spirit and wear orange, Rylen’s signature color symbolizing happiness and hope.
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Participants can pick up their race packets the day before, on Friday, April 25, from 12 PM to 6 PM at Good Times Running Co. in Katy. For those unable to attend in person, virtual race options are available, offering the opportunity to support the cause from anywhere. Registration for all events closes at 11:59 PM on race day and can be completed at runsignup.com.
Beyond the run, the day includes an awards ceremony at 9:00 AM, recognizing top finishers, the largest team, and the largest fundraising group. But for many, the real reward lies in the opportunity to give back and raise awareness for the thousands of people still waiting for a lifesaving transplant.
The Smilin’ Rylen Foundation has raised over $311,000 to date, supporting several nonprofit partners that made a difference in the Cowan family’s journey. These include Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Houston, LifeGift, Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, and Bo’s Place—each playing a unique role in helping families through grief, crisis, and healing.
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In Texas alone, more than 10,000 people are currently on the organ transplant waiting list. Nationally, that number exceeds 118,000. Every 10 minutes, another name is added, and each day, 20 people die waiting. The Smilin’ Rylen Run isn’t just a fundraiser—it’s a call to action. Through participation, donations, or simply registering as an organ donor, the community has a chance to change lives.
For Rylen’s parents, Kristen and Travis Cowan, the outpouring of support means everything. “We remember Rylen with everything orange, a color of happiness,” they shared. “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for keeping his memory alive and helping others in need.”
Whether you're a runner, a donor, or a supporter from the sidelines, the Smilin’ Rylen Run offers a way to honor a child who continues to inspire—and to be part of a mission that turns tragedy into hope.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
