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I enjoy running and I enjoy kids. So I figured St Jude is the perfect charity organization to get involved with. Hi, I am Bridget Hamann and this will be my second year with the run. Last year, I was the Runner Recruiter and this year I am the Treasurer.
The Quincy team is amazing. I am amazed with all the hard work and dedication that goes into planning the run each year. Everyone works extremely hard all year long to raise awareness for St Jude and the run as well as fundraise and secure sponsorships. Without everyone’s hard work there is no way we would be so successful.
I know it is may be intimidating thinking about all the miles to run and the money to raise, but remember this is all about fundraising the running part is secondary. And raising the $500 for the run is so easy. It is unreal the generosity people have when you ask them for a donation to St Jude. You can always be creative too on how you raise money. Nothing is really off limits. A group of us bartended at a local bar and all the tips went towards our goal. Others write letters to family and friends or you could have a yard sale. By just asking friends, family and co-workers you will reach your goal in no time!
I survive the overnight trip by staying positive and enjoying everything that is going on around me. It gets rough around 2am when everyone is tired and you have to run a leg. But the pain you may feel is minimal when you think of all the kids at St Jude and what they are going through. We also have so many great people that make it a great experience. And honestly, the adrenaline you feel, from the moment we leave Quincy until we get to Peoria, just won’t let you stop running!
A lot of my motivation to do the run comes from Paige James and her family. Paige was one of the unfortunate children who lost her battle to cancer. But her spirit, strength and the faith her family have motivate me to help in the cause of finding a cure. But I also run for all the other children and their families at St Jude too. Hearing their stories and how courageous they are helps me fundraise and keeps me running.
I will be going to visit St Jude July 31. A group of us from Quincy will be going down for a tour of the hospital and to send off the Memphis to Peoria runners before we head back and start our run. After hearing about the experience the group had who went down in February, I just can’t wait!
The St Jude run is unique because it is one of the largest fundraising runs in the country. It is amazing when you get to Peoria and join all the other satellite runs to kick off the annual telethon. There is no greater feeling then presenting the check at the telethon for all the money we worked so hard to raise. And besides, what other run raises over $1.5 million for St Jude!