For the last four years, the first Saturday in May has been the date for the SJ5K. This is an incredible event run by students of the National Honor Society at the Plymouth-Canton Educational Park (PCEP), which is the group of high schools in the Plymouth-Canton Community School district of southeast Michigan. Lace up your shoes and join in the fun – for a great cause – on May 4th!
How It Started
The inaugural SJ5K was held four years ago when a PCEP student put the event together to his friend and fellow student who suffered a sudden, tragic medical event. At the time, PCEP student, Jesse Lindlbauer, was only sixteen when a sinus infection turned into an abscess and suddenly ruptured, causing a traumatic brain injury. The run was created to support Jesse, raise money, and bring the community together. Since then, the National Honor Society (NHS) decided to make this an annual event with a different, worthy beneficiary each year.
2014 Beneficiaries
Two beneficiaries have been chosen for the 2014 event.
The first is Salem High School student Jerrica Fitzgerald. Jerrica has undergone over 30 surgeries since she was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a rare condition in which fluid builds upon the brain. Jerrica attended local schools Smith Elementary and West Middle and is currently a senior at PCEP.
The second benefeiciary is Amy Landenberger. Amy is 25 years old and a PCEP graduate. She attended Hoben Elementary and Discovery Middle schools. Amy was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, which is a condition in which mucus builds in the lungs, digestive tract, and other areas of the body. Amy has been through many surgeries, including a double-lung transplant that occurred within the last year.
A Few Words from the Coordinator
This year’s event coordinator, Shannon Perry, told us these cool details about how the event is organized and being run. Here is what Shannon told us:
I have 15 students working on different aspects of the project in small teams (promotion, registration, sponsorship, packet creation/distribution and volunteers) these are current NHS seniors who are working on SJ5K as their Independent Service Project. Doing an Independent Service Project is the requirement for every senior in the P-CEP NHS. Each student must work on a twenty hour project (minimum) showing their ability to take service work to the next level by taking a leadership role.
Join the Fun … and Community Spirit!
Join in the event by participating in the 5K run, 5K walk, 1K run/walk, or by helping out as a volunteer at the event. Click here to learn more and for registration information! Donations are welcome!
It is our pleasure to spread the word about the 2014 SJ5K and we know that our team will be represented there among the participants. Wishing all the best to Jerrica and Amy as they continue their fight against their respective medical challenges!
Till next time,
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