When the cycle instructor of Matt Hazel’s regular lunchtime indoor cycle class at LIFE TIME FITNESS recruited participants last spring for a new charitable initiative, the Ride for a Reason Benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Life Time Foundation, the 55-year-old liked the idea of adding extra motivation to his fitness regimen.
As he learned more about the lifesaving mission of St. Jude, Hazel committed to gaining as many donations as possible before the event, which was then less than six weeks away.
“I'm a big prayer guy, and I started figuring out who I would ask,” Hazel said. “I prayed over the list for people to open up their hearts. And then I bugged the living daylights out of them — called them, texted them, emailed them.”
Hazel found friends, family members and co-workers receptive to his appeals, especially when he explained that families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food.
“My pitch was, if you knew your $100 could help save someone's life, would you do it?” Hazel said.
Hazel was one of more than 1,600 participants last year in the new partnership between St. Jude and Life Time Foundation, which owns LIFE TIME FITNESS centers in the United States and Canada.
Hazel lives in Chanhassen, Minnesota, where LIFE TIME FITNESS is based, and by the weekend of the event, he had eclipsed his original goal of $10,000 in fundraising. Hazel ended up generating more than $17,000 for St. Jude, which made him one of the top St. Jude Ride for a Reason fundraisers, helping the inaugural event top the $400,000 mark.
The inspiration Hazel drew from thinking about the kids of St. Jude helped him complete four full one-hour cycle sessions during the event.
“That's 72 miles,” Hazel said. “I tracked it.”
This year’s Ride for a Reason Benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Life Time Foundation is set for April 22, and Hazel said he’s looking forward to doing his part again to further the lifesaving mission of St. Jude: Finding cures. Saving children.®
Set your New Year’s fitness resolution with St. Jude in 2017.
You, too, can help give hope to kids who are fighting life-threatening illnesses.
Read more inspiring stories
-
Preparing for a Pandemic
The staff at St. Jude go above and beyond to ensure patient and employee safety throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Read how St. Jude employees collaborate and innovate during this time.
-
Working like a dog: St. Jude Paws at Play celebrates six months of canine care
Brittany Reed and Shandra Taylor share their thoughts on how Puggle and Huckleberry have made an impact on the hospital and their lives. Read their reflections.
-
Journey to the Jude: Escaping war and poverty in his homeland, chef Johnny Siv develops culinary talents to feed the St. Jude community
After escaping the war-torn nation of his youth, chef Johnny Siv uses food to give back to the patients at St. Jude. Read more about his remarkable journey.
-
Tracing Martine Roussel’s independent streak from Africa to the National Academy of Sciences
Martine Roussel, PhD, is renowned for investigations into molecular-level causes of cancer and strategies in developing new treatments for pediatric brain tumors. Read about her journey.
-
Chaplain Kimberly Russell uses creative talent to adapt spiritual care board for St. Jude patients
Learn how St. Jude chaplain Kimberly Russell helps non-verbal patients communicate spiritual needs.
-
Welcoming all who enter
Janice Ivory has given out tens of thousands of smiles to the patients, staff and families of St. Jude over the last 32 years.
-
Celebrating Black History Month
We reflect on our heroes: doctors, patients and supporters who have been a part of our lifesaving mission.
-
Journey to the Jude: Inspired by global adventures, postdoc recruiter Deanna Tremblay seeks world-class scientists
Inspired by her global adventures, postdoc recruiter Deanna Tremblay of Academic Programs seeks world-class scientists.
-
Pediatric Cancer Genome Project sparks a decade of discovery
Leaders at St. Jude launched a bold initiative in 2010 to define the genomic landscape of pediatric cancer.
-
Sharing a birthday with St. Jude
Five-year-old Della will celebrate her sixth birthday on the same day St. Jude opened its doors in 1962. She wants to mark the occasion by raising money for the kids of St. Jude.
-
‘Tis the season for science: Elf rescue teaches students fun lesson
Patients in the St. Jude School Program used math and science to rescue stranded elves. Discover how they saved the holidays.
-
My Corner of the World: Regina Kolaitis, PhD
Scientist turned liaison Regina Kolaitis of the St. Jude Liaison Office explains the breadth and depth of hospital’s research efforts to a non-scientific audience.
-
Physical therapist grateful for her colleagues, opportunities after earning hospital’s highest staff honor
Amanda Curry received the hospital’s highest employee honor for her work with a new mobility program for patients. Discover why she thanks and credits her colleagues.
-
Longtime employee shares story of personal, family military service
Seven years of U.S. Navy service helped prepare veteran Yvonne Carroll for her role as director of hematology patient services. Read her story.
-
St. Jude talent experience advisor extends hospitality to job candidates and their families
From hospitality to human resources: Linda Smith of Human Resources changed careers to help St. Jude advance its mission.