“I run for St. Jude because St. Jude saved my life. I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2005, a cancer of the lymph nodes. The initial diagnosis was a shock for myself and my family. There was a great deal of fear and confusion of what my future held, but St. Jude quickly put those thoughts to rest. Immediately upon arrival to St. Jude, the staff and environment placed a calmness upon my family and I that’s hard to explain. I dropped all my worries and didn’t question whether everything was going to be alright, but instead how many treatments until life would be back to normal. After 4 rounds of chemotherapy and 2 weeks of radiation, I was blessed with the words, “You are cancer FREE!” St. Jude gave me a chance at a second life and allowed me to marry my best friend. Now we have three beautiful daughters! I am forever in debt to St. Jude and committed to the fight against childhood cancer!”
“This will be my 18th year participating in the St. Jude runs. 15 years with the St. Louis to Peoria run, and this year will mark the 3rd consecutive year of being part of the Eureka to Peoria run. My favorite thing about the run, is when all the teams line up outside the Civic Center and run in together. This event is second to none in terms of the thrill and emotion you experience. Everyone is united to support and fight for the same cause of curing childhood cancer, and to see all these individuals and families together cheering each other on, high-fiving, tears of happiness and sadness flowing, people hugging and just sending their general love to not only loved ones, but strangers alike. It is a true moment of hope in life, an instance where words simply cannot explain the emotions you are feeling, all made possible because of St. Jude!”
Thank you, Benny for being a part of our run family, and for all you do to help the kids of St. Jude. It’s been awesome getting to know you these past couple of years, and I admire your commitment to help others as a St. Jude survivor yourself!
