Welcome to Running for the Kids!
This website is dedicated to the kids of St. Jude. For those of you who are not familiar with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, it is the best children’s hospital in the world. The hospital was founded in 1962 and is 100% supported by donations. These fundraising efforts are lead by ALSAC, commonly known as the fundraising headquarters of St. Jude.
St. Jude is unlike any other pediatric cancer treatment and research facility. Discoveries made by St. Jude have completely changed how the world treats children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. St. Jude is also the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatments that are not covered by insurance. No child is denied treatment because of a family’s inability to pay.
About 6 months ago, I was blessed with the opportunity to work for St. Jude in Memphis, TN. Since I started, I’ve been completely inspired by the dedication and commitment behind the mission to cure childhood cancer. Everyday I’m encouraged to do more and always reminded what’s really important in life.
This experience has motivated me to push myself to the limits and run my first marathon! That’s right, 26.2 consecutive miles and for those of you who don’t know me – I’m not a runner. Actually, the most I’ve ever run is 3 miles, so needless to say, I have a long road ahead of me.
My drive to complete this milestone is simply running for the kids. This marathon is not for me, but for the kids of St. Jude. All my fundraising efforts will directly support the kids and Danny Thomas’ dream that no child shall die in the dawn of life. Together we will find cures and save the lives of children fighting cancer and other deadly diseases.
I am asking you for your help and support as I run my first marathon for the kids and attempt to raise $1,000 for St. Jude. This blog will update you on my progress and training schedule as well as the status of my fundraising goal.
Thank you for your support. To donate, visit bit.ly/HelpStJude
Sincerely,
John Avola
Running for the Kids
5 comments
Meg Maher
August 18, 2011 at 12:16 pm (UTC 0)
Hi John! I saw your FB post about running the St. Jude Marathon and followed your blog link here. So awesome that you are doing this!! You can totally do it, if I can run anyone can run!!
Can’t wait to read about your journey and follow your progress. I’ve already added your blog to my google reader hehe. Remember to enjoy the journey and celebrate the goals and milestones along the way (first double digit run, etc.)
If we all did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves. – Thomas Edison
Go get it done! One foot in front of the other!
- Meg
Mike Avola
August 23, 2011 at 1:37 pm (UTC 0)
John, Your first marathon – wow – I can remember your first step!
You are setting a great example for the kids at St. Jude’s Hospital. Taking on this challenge and reaching beyond yourself to meet your goal is a wonderful message for all of us.
Taking the first step is often the most difficult and you have done that and will do 55,335 more (marathon) steps but remember you can only do this by taking one step at a time!
Love you, Dad
“I always look outside myself for strength and confidence, but it comes from within. It is there all the time.”
Harland Bohlsen
November 2, 2011 at 3:39 pm (UTC 0)
Definitely, what a great blog and revealing posts, I surely will bookmark your website.All the Best!
John Avola
November 3, 2011 at 1:31 am (UTC 0)
Hello Harland. I’m glad you are enjoying the blog. Thank you.
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