Memphis Community Unites for Childhood Cancer During St. Jude Walk Run
Memphis, Tenn. – This past weekend, hundreds of people gathered at Tom Lee Park, right in the heart of downtown Memphis, to participate in the annual St. Jude Walk Run. It was a day filled with energy, support, and hope, all centered around one vital cause: fighting against childhood cancer.
A Cheerful Atmosphere
The atmosphere was electric as volunteers, like Madeeah Muhamad, cheered on participants who were either walking or running through the park’s scenic routes. As runners passed alongside Beale Street Landing, you could feel the enthusiasm in the air. “It makes me want to cheer harder for them,” madeeah beamed, embodying the community spirit that filled the event.
Unite for a Cause
This year’s St. Jude 5K event was especially meaningful, uniting people from all walks of life to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s mission. Richard Shadyac Jr., the President and CEO of ALSAC, couldn’t hold back his excitement as he shared, “I’m on cloud 9! I just have to tell you; I’m blown away by the support from the Memphis community.” He went on to note that with over 4,000 participants, they’re on track to raise over $1 million, pushing their cumulative total to an impressive $8 million to aid in life-saving work.
Charlie’s Inspiring Journey
This year, the event highlighted the inspiring story of 14-year-old Charlie, who is a former St. Jude patient and a brave survivor of Ewing Sarcoma, a type of cancer that primarily affects young people. “Every single kid – their lives count,” Charlie passionately stated, as he proudly wore a cape made by a family friend. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of these fundraisers. “There are two reasons why I’m still standing here today; number one is people who raise funds for St. Jude, and the second is because of the grace of God,” he expressed, highlighting the supportive community surrounding him.
St Jude’s Life-Changing Work
Charlie also emphasized the reality of St. Jude’s work when he said, “People always come and ask me and my family you know – is it like stuff on TV, is it actually real? And we’re like ‘Yes, completely real.’ St. Jude pays for all of that.” His heartfelt words truly illustrate why events like the St. Jude Walk Run are crucial for the hospital and the families who rely on its services.
The Real Impact of Participation
Participants like Alhasan Hadidi spoke about how participating in the run is not just about exercise; it’s about empowerment. “There are a lot of people, especially in this country, who will not be able to afford the primary care they’ll need for cancer and a lot of the treatments,” he shared. “Just knowing that St. Jude is there lifts a lot of people’s spirits and can take a lot of pain off their minds.”
A Commitment to the Future
As the event came to a close, Hadidi expressed his commitment to coming back next year, ensuring that children like Charlie can continue to live long and fulfilling lives. It’s moments like these when communities come together that highlight the power of compassion and generosity.
The St. Jude Walk Run was not just a fundraising event; it was a celebration of life, resilience, and the profound impact that a community can have when they come together for a common cause. In Memphis, the fight against childhood cancer continues, one step at a time.
