The China Spring ISD community is coming together in a powerful way with the Fight Like a Coug for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Fundraising Campaign, running from February 14 to March 14.
Organized by the China Spring Electric Blues, the campaign supports St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and highlights the efforts of Dr. Kevin Pitts, deputy superintendent, who has been selected as a St. Jude Hero for the third time and will run the London Marathon in April.
Dr. Pitts' commitment to St. Jude is deeply personal. His journey as a St. Jude Hero began in honor of Emily Stephens, a former China Spring ISD student whose strength and resilience continues to inspire the community.
Born in 1994, Emily Stephens was diagnosed with brain cancer when she was 4 years old. Throughout her life, she faced extensive and repeated cancer treatments, but through her unwavering spirit, continued to succeed in academia and community involvement.
Emily was captain of the China Spring Electric Blues Dance Team, editor of the yearbook, President of the Waco Chapter of the National Charity League, and valedictorian of the 2012 China Spring senior class. She went on to graduate with honors from the University of Texas McCombs School of Business. During her sophomore year, her cancer returned and she was selected to participate in experimental therapy from St. Jude. The experimental therapy gave her five extra years of life, but the cancer remained, and Emily died in January 2018 at the age of 23.
Dr. Pitts first represented Emily, Team EmilyStrong, and St. Jude in the 2021 New York City Marathon. He has completed the three American legs of the famous World Six Marathons - Chicago, New York, and Boston.
Now Dr. Pitts is going international as a St. Jude Hero in the London Marathon.
"This is about stepping up for children and families facing the toughest battles," Dr. Pitts shared. "It's an honor to run, but it's even more meaningful knowing our community is rallying behind this important cause."
The fundraiser aims to raise more than $10,000, supporting St. Jude and their work in providing life-saving treatment at no cost to families.
How to Participate:
Spread the Word with friends and family!
"We are excited to lead this fundraising campaign in honor of a former Blue, Emily Stephens," Leia Uliberi, Electric Blues team captain, says. "We hope the community joins us in supporting the Fight Like a Coug for St. Jude fundraising campaign."
The Fight Like a Coug for St. Jude campaign launches February 14 and runs through March 14. The London Marathon takes place on April 27, 2025.
Join us as we unite as Cougars to fight childhood cancer - one donation at a time.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Its purpose is clear: Finding cures. Saving children.® It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. When St. Jude opened in 1962, childhood cancer was largely considered incurable. Since then, St. Jude has helped push the overall survival rate from 20% to more than 80%, and it won't stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude shares the breakthroughs it makes to help doctors and researchers at local hospitals and cancer centers around the world improve the quality of treatment and care for even more children. Because of generous donors, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food, so they can focus on helping their child live. Visit St. Jude Inspire to discover powerful St. Jude stories of hope, strength, love and kindness. Support the St. Jude mission by donating at stjude.org, liking St. Jude on Facebook, following St. Jude on X, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok, and subscribing to its YouTube channel.