Memorial run/walk to help support fight against asthma

Increasing the awareness of asthma, generating funds to support asthma education and remembering a Northwest Missouri State University alumna are the goals of the upcoming Jennifer Shaw Suhr 5K Memorial Run/Walk in Maryville.

The event begins at 8 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 27, at the tennis courts located near Northwest’s high-rise residence halls just east of the Bearcat baseball field. Registration fee is $30 for adults and $15 for children 11 and younger.

Each participant will receive a T-shirt, and prizes will be awarded. Participants may register beginning at 7 a.m. on the day of the event; in advance by visiting www.runforjennifer.eventbrite.com; or by contacting Tim Shaw at TandJShaw@sbcglobal.net or Mallary Herring at 816.752.1093. In addition, registration forms are available at the Maryville Community Center.

Proceeds from the Jennifer Shaw Suhr 5K Memorial Run/Walk will benefit Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. Jill Coulter, a family nurse practitioner at St. Francis Hospital and Health Services in Maryville and National Certified Asthma Educator, said St. Francis provides asthma education, assessments and screenings, but also works closely with Children’s Mercy in providing treatment to those suffering from the disease.

“It’s not uncommon for St. Frances to refer children to Children’s Mercy Hospital if specialty care is needed. St. Francis then provides ongoing care in collaboration with outreach facilities such as Children’s Mercy,” said Coulter, who has asthma. “St. Francis Hospital is pleased to assist with this asthma run/walk because we support the belief that everyone should have the best care, services and resources available to them.”

Members of Northwest’s Phi Mu sorority have played a significant role in organizing the inaugural event and will assist on race day. In addition, representatives from Children’s Mercy Hospital, St. Francis and the Environmental Protection Agency will be present to provide information about asthma.

Jennifer Shaw Suhr, who enjoyed running, water skiing, playing softball and bicycling, was a member of Phi Mu sorority and graduated from Northwest in 1992. In December 2000 she died of complications related to her asthma, a disease she had battled her entire life. She was survived by her husband, Troy, also a Northwest graduate, and son Wyatt, then 2.

“It’s important to keep Jennifer’s memory alive for Wyatt’s sake and also to help others who suffer from asthma,” said Julie Shaw, Jennifer’s sister-in-law and one of the event organizers. “Hopefully, we can help make people aware of how serious asthma is, and as a result it could someday save a life.”

Sponsors of the Jennifer Shaw Suhr 5K Memorial Run/Walk include St. Francis Hospital and Health Services, the Northwest Missouri State University Alumni Association and Phi Mu’s Zeta Lambda Chapter.

For additional information, contact Tim Shaw at 816.806.9840.

For more information, please contact:

Anthony Brown,
News Bureau Manager
E-Mail: abrown@nwmissouri.edu
Phone: 660.562.1704
Fax: 660.562.1900

Northwest Missouri State University
219 Administration Building,
800 University Drive
Maryville, MO 64468

Return to Previous Page