(Memphis) Tomorrow, 18,000 runners will take to the streets of Memphis for the St. Jude Marathon. One group is running in memory of a young teen that inspired us all during his fight with a rare form of pancreatic cancer. Tomorrow’s race is so important to his family and they reveal publicly for the first time why their relationship with hospitals is far from over.
The team is running in memory of Trey Erwin and when they first signed up for the St. Jude marathon they hoped he’d be at the finish line when they got there. However, fate had a different plan.
Lisa Erwin’s son inspired many in his four month short fight with cancer. At 15, he took on the disease wearing armor made of steel, smiling even when the pain was unbearable. Tomorrow Memphis firefighters who work with Trey’s father and others will wear Trey’s name on their sleeve as they run in his memory.
“They had already done so much we said absolutely, anything to raise money and support St. Jude,” said Erwin.
Trey discovered he had a rare form of pancreatic cancer usually only found in adults. Doctors at the West Clinic treated him. St. Jude managed his care. Lisa Erwin is forever grateful.
“Just for the short 4 months that my son was alive and was a patient, it’s amazing what kind of care we received,” said Erwin.
Unfortunately, the Erwin’s relationship with the research hospital isn’t over.
Erwin said, “My son, Collin, is now a St. Jude patient to keep a watch over him.”
The type of cancer Trey had is hereditary. His family is hopeful research like the kind they’re raising money for this weekend will lead to a cure.
“Jay and I and the entire family we’re volunteering tomorrow to help the raise money and be at the cheer spot, “she said.
She added, “We’re going to be at a cheer spot to cheer them on.”
Team Trey is just shy of raising $15,000. They’d like to meet that goal before start time tomorrow.
Information for Run For Trey:
http://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/Heroes/Heroes?team_id=27988&pg=team&fr_id=3631
