MONTICELLO, Ill. (WCIA) — How far would you go to support St. Jude Children’s Hospital? For a group in Monticello, the answer is 90 miles. They embarked on this long journey today, which will take about 22 hours. Fortunately, they aren’t doing it alone.
“We’re a team. Segments are 3 to 5 miles apiece and people run as much or as little as they want of it.” said Co-coordinator Mary Alexander.
A collective effort from Monticello, Champaign, and Decatur participants is underway to fundraise for St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Peoria.
“You rarely consider how much more challenging it is for children and their parents facing these circumstances. Efforts like this can make a real difference,” stated runner Haiden Mast.
Runners raised a minimum of one thousand dollars to participate. For Mast and Chloe Trimble, this cause created a bond, even on a day often reserved for oneself.
“This is our 21st birthday and we wanted to make it a little bit more meaningful.” said Trimble, “His birthday is today and mine is tomorrow.”
And for Alexander — she has a personal connection to the care St. Jude provides.
“There’s also some local kids that I run for, Eddie and Bryant, they both are currently St Jude patients and both are doing well.” said Alexander.
They’ve shown that a small-town team can make a significant impact, raising nearly 700,000 dollars over 13 years. Alexander shared that they are poised to surpass 80,000 dollars this year, marking a record.
A lot of hard work goes into it — but they say in the end it’s all worth it.
“As we near Peoria, families and children line the roads, cheering and holding signs saying, ‘I’m here because you’re running.’ It’s incredibly motivating to witness such inspiration,” Alexander expressed.
Even though they’ve taken off there is still time to donate here.
