5K Trail Run for Childhood Cancer
By Christina Staff
Photo: Marshall
Life experiences — good, bad, and otherwise — shape who we are and how we view the world going forward. One joyful experience that comes to mind is when my son, Marshall, and I graced the cover of The Healthy Planet in July 2024. We had journeyed across the bi-state region highlighting must-see hiking trails and waterfalls. Another life experience unexpectedly hit just three short months after that issue printed, and we transitioned from navigating nature to navigating cancer treatments.
A short, five-minute phone call on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 2:43 pm is a timestamp moment in our life experiences. Before that, Marshall didn’t have cancer. After that, he did. Life had abruptly pivoted, and my seemingly healthy and happy-go-lucky eight-year-old was now in a serious battle we never saw coming. Marshall has since been receiving chemotherapy treatments through Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital where a brilliant and outstanding team of doctors and nurses are overseeing his treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Not all heroes wear capes; some wear white jackets and scrubs.
After regaining a sense of balance (that was a huge pivot), my mom heart became determined not to let something so ugly define our beautiful existence. The mantra became, “Marshall has cancer, but cancer doesn’t have him.” While it was true cancer had taken over our priorities, I wouldn’t let it completely pause our life experiences. We would, instead, grow through it, and the focus became how to channel this experience to help others.
With that, we are pleased to announce the highly-anticipated, first annual Miles for Marshall 5K Trail Run for Childhood Cancer set to take place on Saturday, September 27, at Patriot’s Park in Greenville, IL. Whether you are a seasoned runner or a leisurely walker, this event welcomes all pace-makers who wish to make a difference. Our mission is simple: bring awareness to childhood cancer while supporting children and families who, like us, had to make a huge pivot.
Without the care of friends, family, and local organizations, managing the emotional and financial demands of cancer is nearly impossible. Since 1992, Friends of Kids with Cancer, a St. Louis based nonprofit organization, has dedicated its time and efforts to bringing light and joy to children impacted by childhood cancer. The group was originally co-founded by two mothers of children also enduring cancer treatment. Their motivation to bring joy to children resonated for obvious reasons, and we are delighted to say the group is the beneficiary of our 2025 event.
As Marshall’s strength, attitude, and adaptability continue to inspire me and others who know him, the Miles for Marshall 5k will honor his cancer journey through awareness, support, and love for other cancer-impacted children and their families. So, lace up your running shoes and join us for an unforgettable journey through scenic trails in honor of Marshall and other young warriors fighting cancer!
For more information on registering as a race participant or sponsoring the event, please visit, MilesForMarshall.com, or email: info@milesformarshall.com. Follow the event on Facebook and Instagram @Miles for Marshall.