Increasing the awareness of asthma, generating funds to support two area hospitals – St. Francis Hospital and Health Services in Maryville and the University of Kansas Hospital – and remembering a Northwest Missouri State University alumna are the goals of the upcoming seventh annual Jennifer Shaw Suhr 5K Memorial Run/Walk in Maryville.
The event begins at 9 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Raymond J. Courter College Park Pavilion, just west of Bearcat Stadium on the Northwest campus. The registration fee is $20 for adults and $10 for students and children. Each participant will receive a T-shirt and complimentary brunch.
Participants may register the morning of the event, beginning at 8 a.m., or in advance by visiting www.runforjennifer.com or contacting Julie Shaw at 816.591.0788 or Taylor Deen at 660.528.1528. Pre-registration will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, at College Park. Registration forms also are available at the Maryville Community Center and at several locations on the Northwest campus, including the Northwest Fitness Center, the Student Recreation Center, the Office of Campus Activities and Roberta Hall.
In addition to participating in the 5K event, individuals and businesses are invited to become a sponsor (for $250) or contribute items for a raffle and participant “goody bags.” Individuals wishing to make a donation may send a check, payable to KU Medical, to Tim Shaw, 8104 NE 74th St., Kansas City, MO 64158.
Proceeds from the Jennifer Shaw Suhr 5K Memorial Run/Walk will benefit St. Francis Hospital’s respiratory therapy department to purchase a new screening device for lung conditions, including asthma. Proceeds also benefit the University of Kansas Hospital’s asthma unit.
Members of Northwest’s Phi Mu sorority are once again playing a significant role in organizing the event and will assist on race day. Representatives from the University of Kansas Hospital and St. Francis Hospital will be present to provide information about asthma. Free asthma screenings also will be provided.
Jennifer Shaw Suhr, who cherished being a mother and wife, led an active and healthy lifestyle. She enjoyed running, water skiing, playing softball and bicycling, was a member of Phi Mu sorority and graduated from Northwest in 1992. However, in December 2000 she died as a result of asthma, a disease she had battled her entire life. At the time of her death, she left behind a husband, Troy, also a Northwest graduate and member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, and a 2-year-old son, Wyatt.
“By planning and participating in the upcoming event, those of us who knew Jennifer have the opportunity to reminisce about the special times we had with her, and that keeps her spirit alive,” said Tim Shaw, Jennifer’s brother and one of the event organizers. “At the same time, we realize not everyone taking part in the 5K knew Jennifer, so we hope to bring awareness and educate others on how deadly this disease can be.”
Last year’s event attracted more than 200 participants and raised more than $5,500, all of which was used for asthma awareness and education initiatives.
For additional information, contact Julie Shaw at julie@pinupmarket.com or 816.591.0788.