Lizzy's 6th Annual Walk of Faith 5K Walk/Run

Join us for our 6th Annual Lizzy’s Walk of Faith 5K Walk/Run!  On Saturday, September 16th, 2023, at Bethel Park, we will come together to honor our daughter, Lizzy, and other families that have courageously battled childhood cancer.  In addition, we plan to honor pediatric cancer survivors with "Lizzy" medals.  This lively and fun event will have entertainers such as fire jugglers, superhero and fairytale princesses, face painters and balloon twisters.  The Mizzou Golden Girls, fun photo booth, gourmet popcorn, Kona Ice and several other food trucks will be there too.  You will leave encouraged and inspired to make an impact and follow Lizzy's legacy of compassion, generosity and faith.

This year, we will be raising money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Lizzy’s Walk of Faith Foundation.  Lizzy’s Walk of Faith Foundation not only supports St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, but many local families that have been affected by pediatric cancer.  Lizzy’s Walk of Faith Foundation is classified as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

At the tender young age of 9, Lizzy lived a normal girl’s life of jumping rope, gymnastics, riding bikes, and playing with Barbie Dolls. She was spunky, thoughtful, joyful and loving. Her life was forever changed when she was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer) in 2016.  For the next 15 months, Lizzy was treated at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.

Tragically, on March 15th, 2018, Lizzy bravely and courageously finished her battle to bone cancer. Though Lizzy was featured on the NBC Today Show, displayed on the menu in 3,500 Chili's Restaurants, honored at professional and college sporting events, recorded 3 songs, starred in a Target video with Chip and Joanna Gaines and multiple national St. Jude commercials, Lizzy's greatest accomplishment was positively impacting and touching lives everywhere she went. Her passion for her purpose of faith, generosity and compassion kept her strong throughout her journey.

Lizzy's last wish before she passed was to donate her tumors for research.  With tears in her eyes, looking up at her mother, Lizzy said, "I don't want any other child to go through what I went through and for parent's to hear, "There is nothing more I can do for your child."  Today, Lizzy's tumor is all over the world being researched in the hopes of finding a cure for pediatric cancer.  Pediatric cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children.  1 in 5 children in the U.S. will not survive.

This is why we run/walk to support St. Jude and Lizzy's Walk of Faith Foundation.  This is why you and I will walk with faith to finally put an end to pediatric cancer.  You will cross the finish line for my Lizzy who never got to finish her race herself.  And for all the other children fighting pediatric cancer.  

Much love and thanks from John and Jen!