Matt Nelson has a simple answer to why he’s willing to go without sleep for more than 24 hours, run for miles in the August heat — and raise at least $500 for the chance to do it.  "I run because I can," Nelson said.

Nelson participated in the St. Jude Quincy to Peoria Run for the first time last year, and he wants to do what he can to recruit others for this year’s run.

He joined run organizers at a news conference today to announce the start of runner recruitment for the third annual event. The goal is to recruit 50 runners and raise $35,000.

Because of corporate sponsors, all money raised by participants goes directly to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., and its Midwest Affiliate in Peoria.  "A family friend had a son who was diagnosed with leukemia and went through a long battle of chemo, bone marrow/stem cell transplants, one remission and return of cancer," Nelson said. "He lost the battle last summer. His mother kept an amazing journal online and told of the wonderful people and outstanding care at St. Jude.

"Even though our friend’s son passed away last year, I run for him. I run for kids everywhere who don’t ever deserve to have such serious diseases and who are so brave in their fight."

Runners will begin their journey on Friday, Aug. 3, and run relay-style for 135 miles until they reach Peoria on Saturday, Aug. 4. Upon arrival, the Quincy runners will join St. Jude runners from Memphis and 17 other running groups to help kick off the 2007 St. Jude Telethon at the Civic Center in Peoria.

"In its first two years, the St. Jude Quincy to Peoria Run has had devoted and energetic runners who have made a real difference in the lives of children who have been diagnosed with cancer and other catastrophic illnesses," said Rick Meehan, run coordinator. "The run has grown each year and we hope to recruit more runners and raise more dollars this year."

Meehan says 20 runners raised $11,000 the inaugural year, while 36 runners involved in the 2006 run raised $28,500.  Each runner is asked to raise at least $500.  "This event isn’t about running. It’s about fundraising. It’s about the kids," Meehan said, adding that 70 to 80 children from Central Illinois have been treated at St. Jude.

St. Jude, founded in 1962 by the late entertainer Danny Thomas, is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatments that are not covered by insurance, and families without insurance are never asked to pay. St. Jude fully pays for lodging, food and travel for patients and their families.

It takes more than $1 million for the hospital to operate one day, which is why fundraisers like the St. Jude Runs   are so vital.  Participants also get a unique running experience and enjoy a great sense of camaraderie. Meehan emphasizes that participants do not have to be "good runners," and that each person can run as little or as much as he or she chooses.

"You can run one leg, which would be approximately 1.5 to 2.5 miles, or you can run 10 legs," said Jenny Craven, who participated in the run last year.   "Remember, this is not a running event, it is a fundraiser."  Craven says the best part of the St. Jude Quincy to Peoria Run is handing off the check from the Quincy runners at the telethon.

"You know you are helping tons of children, which is the best feeling of all," she said.

By Kelly Wilson

Herald-Whig Staff Writer