The 6,000 people who live in Chillicothe, Illinois, are a powerhouse when it comes to raising funds and awareness for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, raising more than $1.55 million for St. Jude since 2005.
The small community has felt the impact of childhood cancer over the past 30 years, with nine children having been diagnosed with cancer. Knowing what families in their community faced inspired residents to support the hospital through St. Jude Runs, which organizes the annual St. Jude Memphis to Peoria Run fundraiser. They started the Chillicothe to Peoria Run, one of 38 satellite runs, in 2005.
In each of the last two years, the community has raised more than $320,000 through the run and a variety of other fundraising activities, including the Brad Wallin Memorial Baseball Tournament. This year they have a goal of raising more than $345,000 for St. Jude.
Chillicothe Telethon participants reveal how much they've raised in 2015.
“Chillicothe has had this constant churn of kids with cancer,” said Rick Lingenfelter, Chillicothe’s run coordinator. “Just when you think that maybe it is going to wane, another child has gotten cancer. So it’s not like we can say we raised the funds; we did it; we’re done. It keeps coming up. That’s a motivator.”
The group, which started with 11 runners, has fielded 120 runners each of the last two years. In addition to seeking pledges from family and friends for the run, they host numerous fundraisers, such as an American Girl® Tea Party™, a dueling-pianos night and a 1980s-themed adult prom. The annual youth baseball tournament, started by a St. Jude patient family, drew 261 teams from all over the Midwest in 2015.
“I would love to know in our population of 6,000 people, how many of the adult wage-earners donate to St. Jude, because I have a feeling it is a lot of people,” Lingenfelter said.
The lifesaving mission of St. Jude has resonated in Chillicothe, and its residents know that 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.
“Everyone knows about, and is very clear of, the mission of St. Jude because they see it lived out here every day.”
You, too, can help give hope to kids who are fighting life-threatening illnesses.
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Team Up Kansas City
Last September, 12 high schools in the Kansas City area joined forces to host Team Up for St. Jude with a special patient in mind.
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Backyard Talent Show
A group of kids is showing the world that fundraising for St. Jude doesn’t have to be left up to the adults through the wildly successful Backyard Talent Show.
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Watch our video about St. Jude employee Derly
When Derly first came to the U.S., she thought it would be for a few months. Twelve years later, she loves her career in marketing for the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
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A lifetime of hope
Marie Conn has spent more than two decades helping St. Jude accomplish its lifesaving mission through the Partner In Hope program. Read about her journey.
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Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
To mark 2016 National Hispanic Heritage Month, St. Jude spotlights the stories of some of our talented Hispanic doctors and scientists.
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Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
During National Hispanic Heritage Month, join St. Jude in paying tribute to our dedicated Hispanic employees. Learn more about their work.
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Together for Micah
Even after being diagnosed with cancer, Micah and his family have remained undeterred. Find out how they strive to raise money for St. Jude.
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Where rubber meets road
A St. Jude Rides member mounted his motorcycle and road from Peoria to Memphis for a very special reason this year. Read his story.
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No mountain too high
An adventurous spirit climbs to new heights while raising funds for St. Jude kids. Read about her adventure.
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It's good to be snarky
A team of dedicated non-runners came together to find their purpose, and strength, to run a half-marathon for St. Jude kids.
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Ragin' Cajun good time
Love of music and gratitude for good health are two essential ingredients in the recipe for a successful Woodstock Cajun music festival.
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Ready to Run for St. Jude
After her own battle with cancer, radio DJ Anna Kinkade is even more committed to the kids of St. Jude.
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A muddy good time
Read how St. Jude supporter Todd gets his hands (face, arms, torso and legs) dirty to raise funds for St. Jude kids.
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She said yes
St. Jude Heroes Tyler and Halie completed their first full marathon together. See what Taylor surprised Halie with on the other side of the finish line.
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Going the extra mile
St. Jude founder Danny Thomas' story teaches Illinois students that one person can truly make a difference in the world, one penny at at a time.
