In November 2016, Jeremy Post was 36 years old and weighed 342 pounds. He had Type 2 diabetes and was quickly becoming resistant to his insulin injections. When he began looking for an exercise routine, it was more than recreation — it was a matter of life and death.
“One morning,” he said, “we were getting ready for work, and I said to my wife, ‘I’m going to be dead by the time I’m 40 if I don’t do something.’”
He chose to dedicate his journey to a new lifestyle to raising funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as a St. Jude Hero®. One year later, Jeremy ran in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas 1/2 Marathon — part of the Rock ‘n’ Roll series of races that occur nationwide throughout the year — fulfilling his resolution to live healthier and to do so in support of a good cause.
“St. Jude is doing the cancer research and treating the children,” he said. “They’re making sure these families only have to worry about their kids surviving. They’re not having to worry about travel expenses and lodging and amenities when their kids are having to fight for their lives.”
Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food — because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.
The months between Jeremy’s resolution to lose weight and the half marathon were spent slowly training — first, with no-impact equipment. By last February, he could run a quarter mile. He kept at it, building up distance, and in June 2017 he tackled a 5K, followed by a 10K and 15K. Each mile was a struggle, but each step brought him closer to his goal. Each fundraising dollar, he knew, would help to further the lifesaving mission of St. Jude.
While the 13.1 miles alone was a victory for the relatively new runner, the other totals are even more impressive. Jeremy started with a fundraising goal of $500, and ended up raising a total of $5,600. He beat his goal of running the race in two-and-a-half hours by 15 minutes. And he weighed in at close to 180 pounds.
Since running a half marathon, he’s become a nutritious eater and makes better choices that have led to a healthier lifestyle. He’s even off of his insulin, saying, “For all intents and purposes, I’m no longer diabetic.”
It’s been my pleasure to race for St. Jude. That’s the thing I’m the most proud of — more than my weight loss — is being able to raise that money for St. Jude and being connected with the organization now.
Now a dedicated runner, he’s racing toward the goal of a full marathon in 2018, with an even more steadfast commitment to the kids of St. Jude as he trains in his home state of North Carolina.
Learn more about becoming a St. Jude Hero® and running on behalf of the kids of St. Jude.
Help our families focus on their sick child, not medical bills.
When you donate monthly, your gift means families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food — because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.
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