Donna Caroline

As many of you already know, it has been 10 years since my son, Bryant, was rushed to the emergency room, admitted quickly to the hospital, and subsequently given the diagnosis for something you never expect to hear in regard to your child - Hodgkin's Lymphoma, a type of blood cancer.

This was just 2 months after he turned 15, looking forward to a summer he should have spent celebrating graduation from 8th grade and looking forward to his first year of high school, hanging out with friends, and playing in the high school marching band. Instead our summer was spent in and out of the OSF Children's Hospital and the St. Jude satellite clinic where he received his chemotherapy in Peoria.

It could have been so much worse, if it were not for St. Jude. I am not exaggerating when I attest to the fact that St. Jude took care of everything. From the amazing pediatric oncologists, to the wonderful nurses and staff, and the caring environment we experienced during his several months of treatment. This life-saving organization made sure Bryant (and we as his parents) were soothed and comforted along his journey to recovery and remission as well. All of this with no cost. What a blessing!

This is why, for the past 10 years, I have supported the kids of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® by participating in either the St. Jude Runs or the St. Jude Walk/Run 5K and providing other fundraising opportunities for my team such as my St. Jude Party on the Lake, and this year, a party at the very accommodating Keg Grove Brewery with yoga, music and a bike ride to celebrate.

With these fundraising activities, that I plan each year as a labor of love, I know I am helping to cure childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases that might afflict our children and it is my mission to pay the help we received forward. But I can't do this solely on my own...I need your help!

Can I count on your donation to help me reach my goal?

Because of generous donors like you, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – so they can focus on helping their child live. By donating to my fundraising efforts, you are helping to make that possible. Please consider making an online donation directly to my team if you cannot make my 2026 fundraising party. Details to come!

Thank you for supporting me and the lifesaving work happening at St. Jude today!!