On Saturday, May 22, 2021, sophomores in Hubbard High School’s Career and Community Exploration Class will host a 5K Walk/Run to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Students in the class, which is taught by teachers Jaclyn DelMonte and Jeremy Porter, must complete 25 volunteer hours by the end of the semester. In order to meet those requirements, the class decided to host a walk/run and selected St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as the recipient of their fundraising efforts. Little did the students know at the time of planning, the impact St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has had on the family of Hubbard High School teacher Chris Moriarty.
“The students who originally created the idea were very excited to find out about a St. Jude connection to Hubbard. It created more motivation for us to complete the project for an amazing cause because we are able to see in person how St. Jude impacts patients,” said teacher Jaclyn DelMonte. “I hope the students acquire life skills during this experience. From communicating with local business owners, collaborating with others, and organizing the event, this experience shows students real-world skills as well as the importance of community engagement. I think being able to have a connection to St. Jude, and to see the amazing work/research they are able to do helps the students realize how important charity work and community service is to individuals and families.”
Moriarty’s wife, Michelle, was treated at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital after being diagnosed in 1981 at the age of 10 with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). At the time, she was given a 30% chance of survival. That rate was cut in half in 1983, when the leukemia returned and Michelle was forced back to St. Jude’s for treatment. Moriarty began dating Michelle back in 1991. Two years into their relationship and 10 years after the return of her cancer, doctors said Michelle was finally cancer free. However, that wasn’t the end of the family’s trip to St. Jude’s. Chris and Michelle visit the research hospital every four years for Michelle’s follow up visits, which allow doctors to continue studying her case and ALL.
“We have been blessed by St. Jude in immeasurable ways. My wife is with us today because of the great work that is done every day at St. Jude in Memphis. Donations are imperative to their operation as no family is turned away for inability to pay. Many families live there while their children are being treated and without donations, that would not be possible,” said teacher Chris Moriarty.
Michelle Moriarty will kick off the 5K walk/run, which is set for Saturday, May 22, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. at the Hubbard track. The deadline to register is Friday, April 30, 2021. Registration forms and a map of the course can be downloaded from the high school’s website, or picked up at Iron Eagle Fitness. The cost of the walk/run is $15 and includes a t-shirt.