Category: Events

District Strategic Goal #5 is:

To Ensure a Satisfying and Productive Partnership with Families and the Community

Mr. Wenskus and Mrs. Dixon in Memphis preparing for the St. Jude run

Today’s post is an example of how meaningful and important the partnerships between Dunlap Grade School and the community can be. For over seven years, Dunlap Grade has developed a relationship with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital that began while Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Kurth’s son, Danny was a patient. This partnership has continued to grow. In recent years, 5th Grade Teacher, Mr. Wenskus has run the distance between Memphis and Peoria in memory of Danny Kurth and other Dunlap students that have lost their battle with cancer as well as to honor those that have fought or are still fighting the battle. Each year, Mr. Wenskus raises funds to participate in the run. Joining him in the Memphis run this year is Hickory Grove Special Education Teacher and former DGS teacher, Mrs. Dixon. Several other Dunlap elementary teachers have run satellite runs. Mrs. Piper, Miss Stahl, Mrs. Siekman, Ms. Rutherford, Mrs. Hopkins, and Mrs. Webster, have all been involved in St. Jude runs. In addition, Former DGS student, Beth Stewart is currently a pediatric oncologist at St. Jude in Memphis.

Dr. Beth Stewart states, “I have officially been a physician at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital now for two years. I feel blessed every day that I walk through the doors of the hospital to be a part of such a miraculous hospital for the greatest kids in the world. I am splitting my time these days between taking care of patients and doing translational research on pediatric solid tumors. We have made so many advancements in the past 50 years in treating a variety of pediatric cancers, but we still have a long way to go until every child receives a cure. I am so blessed to participate in the Memphis to Peoria Run for my 9th year!! I run in the memory of Dusty Pautler and Danny Kurth as well as all of the other children that I have had the privilege to care for the past few years. I also run in honor of the children who are going through treatment now, and I know they all would be proud knowing that we are trying to help other kids like them. I am so thankful that St. Jude is committed to taking care of patients and their families in every way, and they never receive a bill for any of the treatment they receive. The money raised goes to support children who are currently receiving treatment, and also goes to support the research to improve care for other children in the future.”

DGS Graduate and pediatric oncologist at St. Jude, Dr. Elizabeth Stewart

The Peoria Journal Star wrote, “The run is one of the biggest fundraisers Peoria will perform for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital this year. The event and other satellite runs have contributed more than $25 million to St. Jude since the first Memphis to Peoria Run in 1982. Participants in the Memphis to Peoria run are required to raise $3,000 in donations for the hospital. These runners are pooled into two groups and split the journey into 10 separate legs. Eight to 15 runners are required to be on the road at all times. The groups’ path eclipses marathon distances each day, before emerging back in Peoria on Saturday. The Memphis to Peoria Run is the culmination of months of hard work, preparation and intensive training by a group of runners who are dedicated to increasing awareness about St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,” says David L. McKee, chief operating officer of ALSAC, the hospital’s fundraising organization. “On behalf of the children of St. Jude, we are grateful for the money raised during this event, which will ensure that the hospital’s research and care continues to help our patients.”

Thank you to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and for our staff running to raise funds for this cause. Dunlap Grade School is proud of you!