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The 5K/10K Memorial Walk/Run was setup to honor and remember the life of Matt & Sue Kjelland. Matt passed on Sept 23, 2016 after a three year battle with chronic lyme disease and clinical depression. Matt took his own life. Sue passed away on Feb 6, 2020 suddenly from a brain aneurysm. After his passing, Matt’s friends and family organized an annual memorial event to celebrate Matt’s life and keep his memory alive. The group chose to setup an annual 5K Walk/Run – Fundraiser. The walk and run are symbolic of Matt’s passion for fitness and health. Proceeds from the fundraiser are used to provide financial support for local and regional Mental Health organizations providing services in SUICIDE AWARENESS & PREVENTION, the MATT KJELLAND MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP and the new Matt Kjelland Memorial Basketball Courts in partnership with the City of Alexandria Parks & Recreation. Scholarship is awarded to a senior(s) that are planning on attending college to pursue a career in Health & Wellness, a career pathway that Matt had chosen. In addition, donations have been made to the area School Food Shelf programs and local Lyme Disease Support Groups. THANK YOU to all that have participated, donated and volunteered in many ways to support this annual memorial.
The mission of the Matthew Kjelland Memorial Foundation is to provide financial assistance, education outreach and to promote the efforts of non-profit organizations that are dedicated to providing suicide prevention and mental health education and related services. This includes both the general population and military Veterans. In addition, to continue to award the Matthew Kjelland Memorial Scholarship to enhance post-secondary educational opportunities for students pursuing careers in the health & wellness professions. This scholarship is administered through the memorial scholarship program at the Alexandria Area High School, in Alexandria, MN. This is awarded to honor the memory and life of Matthew Kjelland. All actions of the Foundation reflect the Christian values upon which they based and governed by the board of directors. More details are provided in the Executive Summary.
FINISHING THE RACE
Read this very inspirational account of what one runner experienced as a participant in the 2nd Annual Matt Kjelland Memorial 5K on September 15, 2018. She poses some very thought provoking questions about running, spirituality and life. The writing is a wonderful tribute to Matt and our family, our planning group, volunteers and participants. Click the link: https://fromtheheartmn.com At the top of the page find Perptual Posters and then Sheila Hellermann series, But Don't Ask Me To Sing - FINISHING THE RACE / Sheila Hellermann
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" 2 Timothy 4:7
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