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 parkโs scenic routes. As runners passed alongside Beale Street Landing, you could feel the enthusiasm in the air. โIt makes me want to cheer harder for them,โ 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, โIโm on cloud 9! I just have to tell you; Iโm blown away by the support from the Memphis community.โ He went on to note that with over 4,000 participants, theyโre on track to raise over $1 million, pushing their cumulative total to an impressive $8 million to aid in life-saving work.
Charlieโs 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. โEvery single kid โ their lives count,โ 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. โThere are two reasons why Iโm still standing here today; number one is people who raise funds for St. Jude, and the second is because of the grace of God,โ he expressed, highlighting the supportive community surrounding him.
St Jude’s Life-Changing Work
Charlie also emphasized the reality of St. Judeโs work when he said, โPeople always come and ask me and my family you know โ is it like stuff on TV, is it actually real? And weโre like โYes, completely real.โ St. Jude pays for all of that.โ 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; itโs about empowerment. โThere are a lot of people, especially in this country, who will not be able to afford the primary care theyโll need for cancer and a lot of the treatments,โ he shared. โJust knowing that St. Jude is there lifts a lot of peopleโs spirits and can take a lot of pain off their minds.โ
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. Itโs 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.
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
