Update On The St. Jude Chicago To Peoria Run 2012

A few weeks ago I officially began my journey into the world of St. Jude and what it means to be a St. Jude runner.

In case you've never herd of the the St. Jude Run here's the history on the run. The St. Jude Memphis to Peoria Run, the idea of Co-founders Mike McCoy and Gene Pratt, began with the idea of a way to raise money for their favorite charity, St. Jude. The concept of driving to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis and then running back, relay-style, to the St. Jude Midwest Affiliate in Peoria, has come to be one of the foremost charity running events in the nation. Each year since 1982, runners have paid for the honor to participate in this unique, 465-mile event that has raised over $12 million for St. Jude kids. Because not everyone can participate in the more rigorous Memphis to Peoria Run, auxiliary runs were started from communities throughout Illinois and Missouri."

I am participating in one of the auxiliary runs, I'll be running on the Peoria Police team from Chicago to Peoria! In the past few weeks I've learned that this little thing I'm doing (running) is so much more than just running to the kids of St. Jude and their families. And it's really hard for me to grasp that. And every-time I've received a donation, I'm moved to pieces. My first donation came for an Xer's who at this very moment is serving in Afghanistan, he saw what I was doing and wanted to help. And all I could think of was that here is this man who is serving our country, for you, me, everyone, yet he opened his heart and wallet and made a donation to the kids. I never cry and THAT almost got me and that was just my first donation! Thank you Deano!

Then there is Christian who just yesterday emailed me about his battle with A.L.L Leukemia and hearing everything he told me just put it all into perspective. It truly made me feel like what I am doing is so small in comparison of what he has been through. Yet here he is,  thanking me. Unbelievable!
I have a fundraising goal of $1250 and the run will be taking place this year on July 20-21st. Please visit my page-www.stjudepeoriaruns.org/akinkade, donate and share, share it everywhere facebook, twitter, google+ and anywhere else you can think of.

I'd also like to thank the following people for their donation: Bry S., Melinda D. and Scott & Amy.