Celebrating Childhood Cancer Awareness Month with virtual St. Jude Walk/Run for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Aug. 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, supporters of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital® are lacing up their shoes to walk, run and fundraise at their own pace and distance in neighborhoods across the country for the annual St. Jude Walk/Run on Saturday, Sept. 26.

New this year: A St. Jude Walk/Run mobile app, available in the Apple app store and on Google Play, will provide a unique experience to participants that includes access to a virtual opening ceremony, tour of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and engagement opportunities using augmented reality. While this is not a timed year, there will be the option to complete a 5K.

"Every year, the St. Jude Walk/Run has a unique way of uniting communities all across the United States. And while we're used to participating in these amazing events elbow-to-elbow in large, diverse crowds, this year's virtual St. Jude Walk/Run will be just as powerful because we anticipate it will unite even more people online from wherever they are to support St. Jude families," said Richard C. Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. "No matter where we are, we can be inspired by the courage and resilience of St. Jude families. No matter where we are, we can be united by our promise to not stop until no child dies from cancer."

St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. 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 more than 50 years ago.

Funds raised through events like this help ensure families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.

Participants are encouraged to be creative when logging their miles while staying safe by following social distancing guidelines. Consider a sidewalk parade, a footrace, obstacle-course challenge, matching St. Jude shirts or themed outfits with props. Also, connect with members of the St. Jude Run Club who are logging miles and minutes together using the fitness app Strava.

To register, make a donation or learn more about market-specific offerings, visit stjude.org/walkrun. Participants can share their favorite moments of the St. Jude Walk/Run on social media using the hashtags #forStJude and #StJudeWalkRun.

About St. Jude Children's Research Hospital^®
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Its purpose is clear: Finding cures. Saving children.^® It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to more than 80 percent since the hospital opened more than 50 years ago. St. Jude won't stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude freely shares the discoveries it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. Join the St. Jude mission by visiting stjude.org, liking St. Jude on Facebook, following St. Jude on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and subscribing to its YouTube channel.

Video download 

SOURCE ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital