My name is Matt Nelson and I got involved with the St. Jude Run in 2006.   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, return of the cancer.  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.  She also told of his daily struggles, the amazing stress, joy, and agony of the family, and of their ongoing healing process.  This served as motivation for me to become involved in some way with St. Jude.  This year I am becoming more involved by being the Sponsor Coordinator and am loving every minute of it.

     My favorite part of the run is running into the Peoria Civic Center, with tons of people on the sides of the road and more inside cheering you on.  You don't really feel tired at all, until about the last hour or two.  Running at 2 or 3 in the morning is surprisingly relaxing, quiet, and a neat experience.  The Quincy group is so fun, energetic, and very dedicated.  It is an honor to be associated with such a good group of people.

     Becoming involved with the Run is easy, just ask and you shall receive.  Last year I emailed Bridgett about running, attended the next meeting, received the material I needed and raised the money in no time.  I was fairly hesitant when I saw that you had to raise $500, but I was very pleasantly surprised at the response that I received.  I sent out a letter asking for money and raised 2 1/2 times the amount I needed!  People really do care, they know about St. Jude, and are happy to contribute.

     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.  I run for the doctors, nurses, staff at St. Jude.  I run because I can.