After losing their son Sean to medulloblastoma, a malignant brain tumor, Craig and Katie Witsoe of Evansville started the St. Jude Give Hope Run in their son’s memory. The run is in its fifth year and people of all ages are encouraged to participate in or attend the 5K run/walk to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Thanks to the St. Jude Give Hope Run committee, the event will be held 8 a.m. April 25 at Burdette Park. A short kid’s dash for children under the age of 12 also will take place that day. Food and refreshments are provided with the help of the run’s sponsors; some of the sponsors in the past include Buffalo Wild Wings and Starbucks. Last year’s efforts raised $111,000 and this year’s goal is to collect $150,000.
Tammy Featherstone, a member of the St. Jude Run committee whose son Sam died in 2013 of medulloblastoma, says 1,500 people showed up to the event last year.
“This event isn’t just for people who run,” says Featherstone. “We encourage anyone who is interested in helping St. Jude to come out that day. People walk the course, or they can enjoy the different booths from our sponsors.”
The event costs $25 for adults and $15 for children.
For more information about the St.Jude Give Hope Run, call 317-587-0925 or visit givehoperun.org.
