A 16-year-old Rockland County boy held a 5K and 10K fundraiser Sunday morning at Rockland Lake State Park with the help of Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley and Bishop's Events to raise money for Global Genes.

Carlos "Coca" Bernard was only 13 years old when he was first diagnosed with leukemia. That was only the beginning of his journey.

"It started off as my rare disease – atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome – that I got because of the treatment I was receiving for my leukemia I received back in 2021," Bernard said.

According to the American Kidney Fund, atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome is a very rare genetic disease that "causes tiny blood clots to form in your blood vessels, blocking blood flow to important organs."

As part of Bernard's Make-A-Wish, he decided to partner with Bishop's Events to put together his first ever 5K and 10K fundraiser, to raise money for Global Genes, which helps patients and families living with rare disorders.

On Saturday, dozens of people showed up to help raise awareness.

"I know it’s scary to not know what's going on, but there will be an upside. There will be light at the end of the tunnel," said Bernard.

Bernard's fundraiser raised upward of $20,000 for Global Genes this year. He says next year’s event will be even bigger.