River Valley High students and community members hit the track in support of Phoenix Danielson, a fellow Falcon and cross country MVP, now undergoing cancer treatment.

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - The River Valley High School and surrounding community united in strength and compassion on Friday, July 18, to support one of their own—Phoenix Danielson, an incoming senior and standout Cross Country and Track & Field athlete recently diagnosed with leukemia.

Held at RVHS Falcon Stadium, the “Rise Up for Phoenix” Walk-a-Thon welcomed well over 100 participants to complete a one-mile walk/run in Phoenix’s honor. Organized by the River Valley Sports Association, the event featured music, a bake sale, a kids’ zone, t-shirt sales and a taco dinner generously donated by Beto’s Tacos. More than 165 taco dinners were served, with proceeds benefiting the Danielson family.

Phoenix Danielson, a standout student-athlete at River Valley High School, was diagnosed with B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in June. His strength and spirit have inspired a wave of community support during his ongoing treatment journey.

In total, the event raised $4,555, all of which is going directly to support Phoenix and his family as they face an intensive and emotionally taxing two-and-a-half-year treatment journey.

 Phoenix, the 2024 Varsity Cross Country MVP, was diagnosed with B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL) on June 13, according to a GoFundMe campaign set up by the Danielson family. His symptoms began with persistent back pain that was initially believed to be a muscle strain from a fall. After a dramatic escalation in pain led him to the ER, doctors discovered high blast cell counts and swiftly transferred him to UC Davis Pediatric Oncology, where his diagnosis was confirmed.

Since then, Phoenix has begun chemotherapy and is expected to remain in treatment through at least 2027. Though he’ll have to give up his senior cross-country season, the 90% cure rate associated with B-ALL brings hope to him and his loved ones.

“The community support has been overwhelming,” said event volunteer Michelle Reyno, noting the walk-a-thon’s success and the many businesses and individuals who contributed. Sponsors included Bains Towing and Recovery, BeXtra with the 360-photo booth, Ake Taco, Party Jumpers and Event Rentals, High Jinks Extreme Face Art, Precision 1, Phoenix Ridge (which handled merchandise), Livingston’s Drone Co. and DJ Alex Sanchez.

Brian Danielson, father of Phoenix Danielson, leads a group of walkers during the “Rise Up for Phoenix” Walk-a-Thon held at River Valley High School on July 18. The community event raised over $4,500 to support Phoenix’s leukemia treatment.

T-shirts will remain available for preorder, with a portion of proceeds continuing to benefit the family. Organizers have also announced that the upcoming Jingle Bell Jog on Dec. 6 will be held as another fundraiser for Phoenix.

The GoFundMe campaign organized by Phoenix’s parents, Brian and Kimna Danielson, is still active and accepting donations.

“We are doing everything we can, but we need help,” the Danielsons wrote. “This isn’t just a medical battle—it’s an emotional and financial one too.”

Those wishing to support Phoenix can contribute online at: gofundme.com/f/join-us-in-phoenix-danielsons-fight-against-leukemia or send donations by mail to: River Valley Sports Association, 801 El Margarita Rd, Yuba City, CA 95993. Venmo donations can also be made—include "Rise Up For Phoenix" in the notes.