Running in his first marathon, Mason Mazurek wanted it to be meaningful and memorable. Raising important funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as a St. Jude Hero®, he achieved those goals before he ever started the race.
The path to the finish line for the 16-year-old from Fort Mill, S.C., wasn’t easy. Mason and a friend decided to run the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, a city where both had lived at one time. However, just a day after Mason signed up to run and raise money for St. Jude, his friend backed out. That immediately presented a hurdle for Mason.
I was on the hook and there was no going back. Basically, my parents explained to me the commitment and told me that once I sign up there is no backing out. That is something I have been told all my life.
Running as a St. Jude Hero offered Mason the motivation he needed. As a St. Jude Hero, Mason participated in one of the most exclusive races in the U.S. while also raising important funds for the kids of St. Jude.
“I’m not a natural runner and I had to overcome a lot of challenges,” Mason said. “I have flat feet, and after visiting a specialist, I had to wear special shoes for months and perform daily exercises.”
The drive to accomplish his $1,500 fundraising commitment fundraising commitment helps ensure that no family ever receives a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food — because all a family should worry about his helping their child live. Not only had Mason never run a marathon, he hadn’t run much further than a 5K, or a little more than three miles.
To ensure his commitment, Mason said he picked a charity he knew would motivate him. With no real history of running and having to train by himself, he needed a strong reason to run. He found that reason in St. Jude, which is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
Running for kids fighting to stay alive while I enjoy the freedom to wrestle, kayak and workout seemed like an obvious choice.
With his first marathon now behind him, Mason isn’t sure there are more in his future. Whatever he chooses to do, Mason says one thing is certain, “If the opportunity presents itself, I will always support 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.
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.
-
‘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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Respiratory therapists are vital part of patient care
Respiratory therapists are emergency responders who assist patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. Learn more about their role