• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Tech Savvy Mama

Parenting in the Digital Age

  • About
    • Affiliations & Honors
    • Contributors
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
  • Technology
    • YouTube
    • Social Media
  • Lifestyle
    • Parenting
    • Travel
    • Safety
  • Education
  • Causes
  • Gift Guides
  • CONTACT
    • Work with Me

St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend: The Rare Time When Money Means Everything

December 5, 2016 By Leticia

Just a couple hours after returning home from running my first half marathon as part of the St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend, I found myself being interrupted by one of my son’s friends at our neighborhood holiday tree lighting.

“Mrs. Barr? Thomas said you ran a marathon.”

“No,” I gently replied to correct the boy. “I ran a half marathon but the weekend is called St. Jude Memphis Marathon and there are different distances you can do. There’s a 5K, a 10K, the half that I ran, a full marathon and also the Kids’ Marathon…”

The boy interrupted me mid-sentence with a shrug saying, “Oh well. Thomas said you ran a marathon” and ran off to rejoin his friends.

I returned to my conversation, slightly annoyed by the exchange but for reasons I couldn’t put my finger on right then and there. The look in his eyes was one of disappointment but I couldn’t tell if it because he thought my son wasn’t telling the truth or because he would have been more impressed if I had run the full 26.2 miles as part of a marathon than the 13.1 I did as the half. I shrugged it off while returning to my conversation and taking in the scent of warm apple cider in the air as the soft glow of lights coming off our neighborhood Christmas tree grew brighter as the sun went down.

St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend 2016

At bedtime, I mentioned this exchange to Thomas who told about his friend’s competitive nature.

“Thomas,” I said, turning on an elbow to face him, “you realize that while I’m happy that I finished my half marathon and earned my medal, that I am more proud of the money I raised for St. Jude, right?”

He nodded while I continued saying, “The $2,650 in donations that I got for my race was just a small part of the $10 million dollars raised for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. That money that I raised helps so many kids get the best care they can get from the best doctors and medical professionals in the world that their parents never ever have to pay for. Parents with kids at St. Jude never receive a bill for their treatment, travel, housing, or food. Money also helps fund research that, I hope, will one day end childhood cancer for good.”
“Yeah, mom,” replied my son. “But some kids aren’t about that.”

And in that moment I was sad because I wished that boy hadn’t run off so quickly. I wished that I had a minute more to emphasize that the distance I ran didn’t matter but that the money I raised as a St. Jude Hero matters more than anything.
Leticia Barr's St. Jude Memphis Marathon Fundraising Page

When I visited St. Jude this past April, I was told that I would have a St. Jude moment. No one could tell me how visiting the organization whose mission is “Finding cures. Saving children® might impact me but it did.

This year parents of nearly 16,000 children in the United States will be told, “Your child has cancer.” 1 in 5 of those children won’t survive.

Pediatric Patient Art at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital — TechSavvyMama.com

Every single day 1.5 families walk through the doors of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital because they’ve been told their child has cancer. Those families come every single day of the week— on weekends, holidays, and birthdays—with the hope that the doctors at St. Jude can help their child live.

As a parent, this hits my heart. It gives me goosebumps, brings tears to my eyes, and makes me feel so very fortunate that today, my kids are healthy.

But if they weren’t and I were to get such news, I would hope that the words “your child has cancer” would be followed by a doctor telling me that we were going to getting on a plane to Memphis to be treated by St. Jude.

Why You'll Love Target Even More After Seeing These Photos: A collection of photos from Target House at St. Jude on TechSavvyMama.com

St. Jude provides the very best care for children battling cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Their daily operating costs are $2.2 million dollars. 12% of the money to operate the hospital comes from insurance. 75% of the budgeted costs of St. Jude are covered by public contributions. Over the last three years, an average of $0.83 of every dollar received has supported the research and treatment at St. Jude.

St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend was about the families whose children are receiving treatment at St. Jude, for those who will be told their child has cancer, and for those who have lost a child. It wasn’t about me and my half marathon. It was about making a commitment to run as a St. Jude Hero and raise money that helps find cures and save children because while St. Jude has some incredibly inspiring success stories, even the best doctors in the world can’t save every child from cancer.

St. Jude Memphis Marathon: Team Carson Elizabeth

Paula’s daughter, Carson Elizabeth

I was reminded why I was raising money for St. Jude and running 13.1 miles when mom, Paula Head, spoke to 2,500 of us the night before our race and shared the story of her 9 year old daughter, Carson Elizabeth (pictured above), during our St. Jude Heroes pre-race pasta dinner.

Life can change in a blink of an eye, but no one ever thinks it will happen to them. But every single day a family’s life is changed forever by the news that their child has cancer. The day my family’s life changed was March 7, 2014. The day before our youngest daughter Carson’s 8th birthday. The day we should have been getting ready for the birthday celebrations to come, and the spring break trip to the grandparents. But the party never started and we never left on our trip. Carson had been having trouble with knee pain; which the Dr. had explained as either a basketball or hip-hop injury; all just a normal part of being an active, growing, 7 year old young girl. After the X-ray and then a whirlwind MRI we heard the word osteosarcoma for the first time in our lives. In a fog of unbelief we heard that osteosarcoma was a very rare bone tumor and St. Jude was already expecting us.

What?! They must be wrong, they had to be wrong…our daughter was fine, we couldn’t pronounce, much less spell what they were trying to explain to us. Our beautiful little girl could not possibly have cancer. But she did. And all of a sudden our whole world stopped in an instance; and to be honest, it has never starting turning quite the same again.

—From Team Carson Elizabeth’s St. Jude Heroes Fundraising page

Over plates of pasta, salad, and chicken piled high on plates to fuel us for the next morning’s races, Paula’s powerful story was a reminder to each and every one of us about why we run.

Carson Elizabeth passed away on June 26, 2015.

Today she would be 10— the same age as my son, Thomas.

St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend 2016 Finisher Shirts
For me, running my first half marathon was a wonderful personal goal but crossing the finish line and receiving my finisher’s medal was the cherry on top of my ultimate goal- raising money to help St. Jude kids and families.

I only wish I could go back in time to relive this conversation with my son’s classmate to emphasize these 5 things:

  • When you run for St. Jude, it’s not about the distance, it’s all about the money.
  • I ran my half marathon as a St. Jude Hero and I am so incredibly proud of the $2,650 I raised.
  • This year’s race raised over $10 million dollars, almost $2 million more than in 2015.
  • I’d invite him to join me and beat me. I’d tap into his competitive spirit by challenging him to choose any St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend Race, join my St. Jude fundraising team, and beat me by raising more money than me because I am happy to compete with anyone if it helps raise more money for the kids and families of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
  • If he can’t take me up on the above, I’d issue him a challenge to make a difference by emptying his piggy bank and donating that money because each and every dollar matters to St. Jude.

I would never accept a challenge to run a race faster than anyone else because the amount of money I raise will always be more important than whatever distance I run and the time it takes to complete my race.

Because as Paula Head said, “there is no training that prepares a mother for the words “your child has cancer.” Run with the faith of a child so that all children can cross the finish line. Children of St. Jude run on hope that cancer will be a thing of the past.”

St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend 2016 View from Heroes Lounge

For more information, visit the St. Jude website to learn how you can run in next year’s St. Jude Memphis Marathon as a Hero. You can also make a tax deductible donation support my St. Jude Memphis Marathon Race.

Read my past posts about St. Jude:

  • Why I’m running 13.1 Miles for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
  • Why You’ll Love Target Even More After Seeing these Photos
  • St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Makes Education a Priority to Kids through St. Jude School

St. Jude Fundraising Helps

I am a St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Ambassador and St. Jude Heroes Ambassador but am not compensated for my role and personally covered my race expenses for the St. Jude Memphis Marathon beyond the perks I received as a Gold Entry St. Jude Hero.

 

 

Related

Filed Under: Causes Tagged With: #runforareason, #StJudeHeroes, #StJudeRun, charity, fundraising, half marathon, half marathon training, pediatric cancer, running, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, St. Jude Heroes, St. Jude Memphis Marathon

Previous Post: « 10 Ways to Give the Gift of Safety this Holiday Season
Next Post: 5 Steps to Having a Fun Family Movie Night with The Secret Life of Pets (w giveaway!) »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sarah H says

    December 5, 2016 at 12:33 pm

    It’s a teachable moment about what can and needs to be done. Sometimes we don’t realize what we should say as parents and to other kids. Next time you will know what points you want!!

    • Leticia says

      December 5, 2016 at 3:20 pm

      I am the master of teachable moments for my own kids but when other kids could use a lesson, I clam up because I don’t want to overstep my bounds. Clearly there were some lessons to be learned here by the child and I certainly learned some too. And you’re right, next time I know exactly how to respond! 🙂

  2. Fadra says

    December 5, 2016 at 12:37 pm

    Okay, the story about Carson totally made me cry. I’ve visited St. Jude and wept tears of sadness and joy. I’ll never tire of supporting them and the work that they do. I’m so proud of you for running the race and raising the money that you did. Keep up the good fight!

    • Leticia says

      December 5, 2016 at 3:15 pm

      Me too, Fadra! I was in awe of Paula and the strength she had to stand before 2,500 St. Jude Heroes to share her daughter’s powerful story and why fundraising matters. I was a teary mess at dinner and found myself starting to tear up again as I approached the balloon archway over the St. Jude entrance thanking the Heroes because I knew as I ran through campus, that I’d be seeing families who appreciated every step we were taking and every single dollar raised. And sure enough, there were families lining both sides of the street, waving signs, ringing cowbells, and shouting words of thanks while stretching out their hands for lots of high fives. It was such an amazing experience!

      If you ever want to join me to run St. Jude, I’d be happy to have you on my team! And don’t worry- you don’t have to do a half marathon! This was probably my one and only! My kids want to run the 5K as a family next year! 🙂

  3. Carla says

    December 5, 2016 at 12:57 pm

    A few years back I was invited to visit St Jude but the timing didn’t work for me. I’ve always wanted to go back and now you have me considering the half marathon as well. This really might be the only thing that would get me out there running. <3 <3

    • Leticia says

      December 5, 2016 at 3:19 pm

      Hi Carla! Visiting St. Jude this past April was the motivator for me to run my first half marathon. Knowing I was running a race for St. Jude definitely kept me motivated to train and fundraise. It was an incredible experience and I’m already thinking about running again next year! Let me know if you’d like to join me! I’d love to have you as part of my team!

  4. DIVINA says

    December 5, 2016 at 1:05 pm

    YOU are AMAZING! Congrats and running a half is on my bucket list. I will look into for next year.

    • Leticia says

      December 5, 2016 at 3:17 pm

      Aw thanks! It was amazing to have so many people behind me, donating money and cheering me on from afar as I trained for my first half marathon. If I can do it, you can do it!

      I’m already thinking ahead to next year and would love to have you join my St. Jude team! It is such an amazing experience and the St. Jude Heroes are so well loved for their amazing fundraising efforts. Keep me posted! I’d love to have you run with me next December!

  5. Debra says

    December 5, 2016 at 5:08 pm

    I’m so proud of you! St Jude has always touched my heart with the work they do there. Proud supporter. My family has been torn apart by cancer, having lost my mom so unexpectedly during a chemo treatment, but I just cannot imagine a child going through it all.

  6. Debra @HappyRunningSole says

    December 28, 2016 at 4:47 pm

    Congrats on your half marathon finish, but more importantly congratulations on your fundraising efforts for St.Jude. You couldn’t have chosen a better race for your first half marathon. I participated in St.Jude Memphis Marathon weekend in 2013,2014, and 2015. No other race experience compares to running through the campus and being cheered on my the true heroes the children of St.Jude.

Primary Sidebar

about sidebar pic_profile pic

Hi! I'm Leticia, founder of Tech Savvy Mama! I'm an award-winning blogger, Washington, DC area mom of teens, middle school computer science teacher, and education consultant.  Read more...

TechSavvyMama logo board_sidebar divider

AFFILIATIONS & HONORS

_YouTube Parent Panel

_top50momblogger

TechSavvyMama logo board_sidebar divider

Subscribe

Never Miss a Post!
Name: 
Your email address:*
Consent*
Yes, I consent to being emailed
No, I do not want to be emailed
Please wait...
Please enter all required fields Click to hide
Correct invalid entries Click to hide
No spam, ever. Promise!

Tech Savvy Mama on YouTube

<<< View More >>>

TechSavvyMama logo board_sidebar divider

INSTAGRAMMIN’

techsavvymama

DC area blogger & middle school computer science teacher focused on edu, family tech & teens. ❤s= 🚀 #STEM 🏃 #StJudeHeroes #legacyteamnuun 🏝 #Haiti

Leticia Barr
After waiting all summer for these blooms, my zinn After waiting all summer for these blooms, my zinnias decided today was the day to show off and I’m not upset about it! 🌸 #zinnias #flowers #flowersofinstagram #gardenflowers #igrewthis
Annual mammogram = ✅ This might not the most exc Annual mammogram = ✅ This might not the most exciting way to start any day but PLEASE don't put off your annual exam. These days you don’t even need a referral if you’re over 40. If it’s been a year since your last exam, you can call to make an appointment directly with your radiologist so make that appointment, mask up, and go in the name of self care. ❤ More details about when you might need a referral in the comments below. Thanks to @notallwhowanderarelost1109 for flagging this for me! 💕
#mammogram #mammogramssavelives #yearlymammogram #getchecked #breasthealth
Lunch during fig season is pure perfection! 🥣 I Lunch during fig season is pure perfection! 🥣 In my bowl: plain yogurt, homemade 3 ingredient fig jam (figs, sugar & lemon juice) that didn’t set so it’s the most tasty chunky syrup, granola, and fresh from the tree figs! Swipe ⬅️ to see who else in our house loves figs! Spoiler: 🐾 #figs #figseason #backyardgarden #igrewthis #lunch
This dog! 🐾 He spends all day insisting on play This dog! 🐾 He spends all day insisting on playing fetch with his favorite ball, barking endlessly until he’s too hot and tired to run after it anymore but when the sun goes down, he turns into the sweetest snuggle monster! 💤 Sleep well, sweet Murphy! There will be more balls to fetch tomorrow! 🎾 #chocolatelab #labrador #puppylove #rescuedog #labrescue
Marathon Month = ✅ I’ve never run a full mara Marathon Month = ✅ 
I’ve never run a full marathon and probably never will but I love a good @orangetheory challenge, especially Marathon Month! 🏅I love setting a goal for each class and watching the miles accumulate during the month. This month I ran 26.9 miles during 15 classes and since the month isn’t over, I can still add to my distance total. 🏃🏻‍♀️Huge thanks to the amazing @otfsilverspringmd coaches for all the motivation, especially Head Coach @jrauch13 who told me to go for the full, rather than the half I originally signed up for. 🧡 Feeling ready for my annual @stjude Memphis Marathon Weekend half this December! 🎉 #orangetheory #marathonmonth #otf #stjude #stjudeheroes
Soaking up the last days of summer. ☀️#goldenl Soaking up the last days of summer. ☀️#goldenlabrador #labrador #goldenretriever #rescuedog #tuesday
I’m often asked if I miss teaching and my honest I’m often asked if I miss teaching and my honest answer is that I miss my students. I miss the energy, enthusiasm,  brilliance, and healthy dose of crazy (5th period🦝🏐!) they brought into my life on a daily basis. 💔 I was so honored that one of my former students organized a picnic over the weekend and I got to spend a couple hours with these amazing teens. 💕 For those who couldn’t attend, I missed you and hope we run into each other soon! 💙💛💙 #teacherlife #summer #moco #mocomd #onceateacheralwaysateacher
How it started and swipe ⬅️ for how it’s goi How it started and swipe ⬅️ for how it’s going! Sitting out tonight’s crazy thunderstorm that’s passing directly over Camden Yards in hopes the Os play the Yankees tonight! ⚾️ #orioles #yankees #camdenyards #baseball #mlb #thunderstorm #visitbaltimore
Earlier this week Thomas celebrated his birthday a Earlier this week Thomas celebrated his birthday and today left for 2 1/2 weeks in South Korea for World Scout Jamboree with 50,000 Scouts from 170 countries! 🎉 His coed Venture Crew includes 30 Scouts from all over the country and Puerto Rico. He met some members for the first time at the airport and will join the rest when he lands in Seoul. He’s very excited for this adventure and we look forward to hearing all about it and seeing all the great things he brings home from trading the many patches, T-shirt & neckerchiefs packed in his bag. 🇰🇷 #wsj2023 #jamboree2023 #scouting #bsa #usacrew16 #adventures
Last February as my 8th graders were filing into t Last February as my 8th graders were filing into the classroom, I felt my heart rate skyrocket as I waited for the bell to ring. 💗It was the first sign that something was wrong even though I felt fine otherwise. The following month I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder called Graves’ disease. 🩺Since July is Graves’ Disease Awareness Month, I’m sharing the story of my diagnosis on the blog to educate and help others. If you, or someone you know, is diagnosed with Graves’, they are at higher risk of developing Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), a separate but related autoimmune disease. 👀 To learn more about the symptoms of TED, common treatments, and to find a TED Eye Specialist near you, visit FOCUSonTED.com. #Ad #GravesDisease #autoimmune #overactivethyroid
I came, I presented, I exhibited! 🎉 I’m back I came, I presented, I exhibited! 🎉 I’m back from 4 busy, yet inspiring, days in Atlanta at the American School Counselors Association’s annual conference where I got to speak to counselors from around the country with @mrbriancoleman and @ask_listen_learn. 🗣️I spoke about middle school brain development and why prevention education matters. 🧠The middle school brain is undergoing rapid development and changes so it’s important for our kids to know about the parts of their brains, what each does, and how these various parts are affected by alcohol. I’m proud of the work I do with educators to share Ask, Listen, Learn’s free prevention education curriculum because I know when kids understand the science and facts about what their brain does, how it works, and how it’s affected by alcohol, they’re more likely to make healthy decisions. 💕 #ASCA23 #dreambig #schoolcounselor #educator #AskListenLearn #healthychoices
Happy National Ice Cream Day although I never need Happy National Ice Cream Day although I never need a special day to justify getting ice cream! 🍦❤️🍦#nationalicecreamday #icecream #jenisicecream #brambleberrycrisp #yum #atlanta
Load More... Follow on Instagram

TechSavvyMama logo board_sidebar divider

SAVVY FINDS

Footer

Tech Savvy Businesswoman

Check me out across my social media channels for examples of how I can help amplify your company's brand, product, or cause!

_YouTube Parent Panel

Everywhere


techsavvymamasquarelogo_techsavvymama square logo

Privacy Policy Cookie Policy

Looking for Something?

Search by category…

or by date

DISCLOSURE POLICY

Copyright © 2023 Tech Savvy Mama · Designed by Hustle & Sway · Log in

 

Loading Comments...