By Rita Howell
Ruby Fowler is grateful.

Her 19-year-old son, Cody Golden, is in remission now, thanks to treatments at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital after he was diagnosed with leukemia in 2012.

Her gratitude has found tangible expression in the form of a walkathon fundraiser she organizes every year to benefit the hospital.

This year’s event will be Saturday, September 19 at 10:15 a.m. at Trussell Park in Batesville.

Over the past three years these walkathons have raised around $13,870 for St. Jude, she said.
The hospital’s daily operating costs of about $1.8 million are covered by contributions from the public and proceeds from events like the upcoming walk, she explained.

No family ever has to pay for treatment at St. Jude.

September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and Fowler chooses to hold the fundraiser to help raise awareness of the work of St. Jude, and of the many local patients, like her son, who have benefited.
“People don’t realize how many local children have been patients at St. Jude,” Fowler said.

She’s invited local youngsters who are currently receiving treatment at St. Jude to be special guests at the walkathon.

To promote the event, Fowler has been making the rounds of local civic clubs. So far she has commitments from the Batesville Junior Women’s League, the Batesville Exchange Club and the Batesville Lions Club to participate.

The object, of course, is to raise money for St. Jude, and individual walkers and teams are encouraged to contact Fowler to obtain sponsor forms and collect donations from family and friends who support their efforts in walking a three-mile course around Trussell Park.

There will be activities for children, refreshments, concessions and door prizes.

The Panola County Sheriff’s Department will offer a fingerprinting service for children, and the South Panola High School cheerleaders have volunteered to provide face painting for kids. The Batesville Fire Department’s mascot Sparky will be on hand. Captain Jack Sparrow will be back this year to pose for photos, after a crowd-pleasing appearance last year.

“Anyone can come out and enjoy the festivities,” Fowler said. “They don’t have to walk.”

For more information, or to obtain a sponsor form, call Fowler at 662-326-0485.

Registration starts at 9:45 a.m.

Anyone may make a donation to support St. Jude by mailing it to Fowler at 644 Barron Road, Lambert, MS  38643.