Arkansas State University students are teaming up this week to raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis during their Cancel Cancer Week initiative. Every dollar collected during the campaign will directly support the hospital’s mission to treat and research pediatric cancer.
According to Sarah Rodriguez, the event’s executive director, Friday will feature the week’s main activities on the Jonesboro campus. Highlights include appearances by Miss Arkansas and a local St. Jude patient who will share personal stories about the hospital’s impact. Following the testimonies, the day will culminate in a color-filled 5K run hosted in partnership with the Arkansas State chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha.
“We’re going to have Miss Arkansas on campus. She’s going to come out and speak. We have a local St. Jude patient that’s going to come out and share their testimony and just what St. Jude has done in their lives,” Rodriguez explained. “Then we’re going to have our annual color run.”
The run will incorporate festive powder, and food will be available from local vendors, including Tacos Daisies, Sugar Rush, and Cowboy Cooler. Participation in the race, open to the community, costs $25.
Rodriguez noted the group has already raised more than half of its $10,000 goal. Proceeds from all activities are directed toward St. Jude’s work to advance cancer treatment and provide care to patients at no cost to their families.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, located in Memphis, treats children diagnosed with life-threatening diseases such as cancer. The facility is internationally recognized for its groundbreaking research and its policy of never charging patients for care.
Those interested in supporting the fundraiser or participating in Friday's activities can find additional details through the campus organization.