This fall, several staff members from Ross Medical Education Center in New Baltimore, Michigan spent their Saturday morning volunteering their time at the Annual St. Jude 5K Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer. This year’s event was located at Delia Park in Sterling Heights, Michigan and consisted of nearly 500 participants. Through this event, over $100,000 was raised for St. Jude and its families.
According to their website, “St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.” Over more than 50 years, St. Jude has been dedicating their efforts to finding cures and saving the lives of children. Thanks to their incredible and innovative research, they have helped to increase the survival rate of those fighting childhood cancers to over 80% from the 20% survival rate it was in 1962. “The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of our founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family’s ability to pay.”
“The entire morning of our volunteer experience was a roller-coaster of emotions,” said Campus Director Jennifer Maniaci. “Hearing the stories shared on stage of how St. Jude has helped these children in need and how grateful their families are was a very rewarding experience to be a part of.” Career Development Representative Tami Schabel agreed. She shared that her experience was an emotional one, “especially meeting the families of children who have passed away from cancer and greeting and directing their team of walkers/runners – all there to support the cause of St. Jude Ending Childhood Cancer.”
Tiffany Simokovich, Admissions Representative, held a very important volunteer job at the event. She was in charge of manning the first check-point on the walk/run and was overwhelmed with the amazing amount of support and comradery of all the participants. “It was a pleasure to cheers these walkers and runners on throughout their trail!”