Why we support St. Jude:

Tessa Caroline Sutton fought against cancer for 2 years. She faced adversity a 15-17 year old should never have to. Her initial diagnosis of pleomorphic osteosarcoma took her through many grueling treatments and procedures: chemo, surgeries, and radiation. After all of this, she was in remission for a mere 2 months, then, unfortunately, it returned. They ran out of chemo options and attempted to get into a research study in Memphis - which she did but developed leukemia and was unable to. She took her make-a-wish trip with her whole family in Feb 2023- a miracle she could make it through all the parks in the Florida heat and ride roller coasters! After she came home, she caught a respiratory infection that took her down a difficult road. She deteriorated quickly. Tessa celebrated her 17th birthday in the hospital in Peoria. After her birthday, she continued to decline and passed away on 3/24/23.

Throughout her journey, she remained Tessa. She hated letting others see her hurting, so she often smiled through the pain or discomfort just so no one felt bad. Tessa displayed amazing strength and grace, worrying more about others than herself.

Because of Tessa, we will continue to raise money for cancer research and the children of St. Jude who are fighting battles similar to Tessa's.

Thank you for supporting this journey, St. Jude, and Tessa Sutton's memory.

Sincerely,

Team Tessa Forever

St. Jude Runs is more than a run — together we are going the distance to support the mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: Finding cures. Saving children.®

Can we count on you to support our team and help the kids of St. Jude? Get involved by joining our relay team or by making a donation to one of our team members.

Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to more than 80 percent since it opened 60 years ago— but there is still work to be done.

St. Jude won't stop until no child dies from cancer, and neither will we. Will you support us by joining our team or by making a donation today? Let’s cross the finish line together!