We asked Gregg Smith to write a guest post regarding a recent fundraiser for a truly noble cause, the Forrest Spence Fund. Below is his moving account of the event and its inspiration (with our sincere gratitude):

On Saturday, September 12th, 626 runners (plus at least 45 kids being pushed in a stroller) ran 5 kilometers around and through Overton Park. Another 230 “ghost” ran by paying an entrance fee but not actually racing. In the process, they raised over $34,000 net of expenses to support the Forrest Spence Fund. You may not have heard of the Fund, but the story is worth a minute or two of your time.

On September 10th, 2007 a baby boy named Forrest was born to Brittany and David Spence. He was their first child and, as you can imagine, the new parents were thrilled beyond words. Soon after birth, Forrest developed complications and was moved from to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, where he fought valiantly for 55 days before his illness overtook him. While in the PICU, Forrest and his family underwent an indescribable journey of highs and lows. Amidst the daily struggles, the Spences were met with a compassion and love that gave them hope and helped them survive the most difficult journey of their lives.

It was in these times that they tasted of the kindness of friends and perfect strangers. It was often that kindness that sustained them as they grew weary. In light of this experience, the Forrest Spence Fund was founded to assist with the non-medical needs of critically or chronically ill children and their families throughout the Mid-South. The Spences view this as a way for them and for others to support families dealing with similar difficult situations and to give back to area children’s hospitals like Le Bonheur that fought for Forrest and thousands of other children last year alone.

The deepened friendships and new relationships with perfect strangers that were created through Forrest’s life and death drove the inaugural 5k’s success in September, 2008 where $28,000 was raised. They saw the strength and vision of Brittany and David in their desire to support families going through similar situations. This success carried over to the 2nd Annual 5k and helped grow the funds raised to over $34,000 net of race and fundraising expenses. Racers, ghost runners, sponsors and volunteers sacrificed time and money to support the mission of the Fund. Platinum Sponsors donated $2,000 in money or in-kind donations each and included Campbell Clinic Orthopedics, Harris Madden and Powell Insurance and Bond, LSI – Identifying Your World, Midsouthmoms.com, Olympic Industries and Walnut Grove Animal Clinic. Other sponsors can be found at http://www.forrestspencefund.com/sponsors09.html.

The 5k ran a new route this year on East Parkway, Poplar and the streets throughout Overton Park and the Old Growth Forest. The finish line was on the east side of the park where everyone gathered in a festival-like atmosphere. Glynn Wittber ran the fastest women’s time finishing in 22:19 and Ben Knoernschild ran a blazing 16:19 to take the overall prize. The rest of the results can be found at http://www.besttimescct.com/results/Forrestspence09.txt

The race and other activities during and after the 5k were a celebration of Forrest and other children and families in similar situations. Kids had a ball in the Kid’s area getting their face painted and in the bounces. They also ran their own 1 mile fun run and 100 yard dash.

The event wrapped up with 2 families sharing their experiences and how the Fund has helped them. First, Dionne Jackson shared about their baby girl, Jamesia, who was born with stomach issues and spent 7 months at Le Bonheur (NICU or PICU) and the comfort she felt through the Fund and the relationship she developed with Brittany. Jamesia is doing well and surviving long past what the original prognosis gave them. The Fund provided a basket to the family filled with items that ease the stay. These are usually items we don’t consider needing like socks or a doll that can stay in the baby’s bed.

Finally, Kenyatta Bolden talked about losing her baby Kennedy due to complications from a premature birth and NEC and how Brittany and the Fund helped her and her family deal with the long nights in the hospital. The Fund is sponsoring her grief counseling through the Christian Psychological Center and covering out of pocket costs. It’s amazing to see the work the Fund does in such difficult circumstances.

The Le Bonheur ICUs and those at other children’s hospitals are places that we don’t think about until we have a personal experience. We don’t see the needs because they are hidden. The nurses, doctors and other care givers quietly do unbelievable difficult work caring for the children and their families. Having the Fund and the support of a group of people who have been there is invaluable. Thank you for your support.

Gregg Smith, Board Member, Forrest Spence Fund

Forrest Spence Fund, fundraiser, Le Bonheur, Overton Park Getting Involved, Sports & Recreation