Turkey Trot – Color Out Cancer / Jameson Strong

One of the heartbeats of St. Matthew Lutheran School is to provide our students with opportunities to share God's love with others, especially when there is a significant need.

One avenue in which we accomplish this goal is through our annual Turkey Trot.

This year, we are hosting our 15th Annual Turkey Trot by partnering with the non-profit entitled, "Jameson Strong".

Last year, I learned of Jameson through the Michigan Lutheran Principals Google group. Jameson was a second grader who attended St. Michael's Lutheran School, Richville, MI. After a significant period of not feeling well, Jameson was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Doctors treated Jameson with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, and there was a period where Jameson was cancer-free. However, in May, his family received the devastating news that the cancer had returned. Jesus took Jameson to be with Him in Heaven on August 12, 2025.

Jameson's family has formed a non-profit in his memory called "Jameson Strong." The mission of this non-profit is to create Christian Care packages for pediatric cancer families that contain many of the gifts and items that brought Jameson's family comfort during their lengthy hospital stays. Such items include: a cross with the child's name on it that can be placed in the hospital room (Jameson's pastor brought him a similar cross with his name on it during his first hospital visit; the family continued to take it to every hospital stay there after.) a Bible, a devotional book, a cross necklace like Jameson wore during his hospital stays, etc.

Since the formation of this non-profit in September, they have already sent out 42 Christian Care packages to families facing similar cancer journeys.

Our Color Out Cancer Turkey Trot for Jameson Strong will be held on Friday, November 15th. Students are asked to collect pledges before the 15th. On the morning of the Turkey Trot, students will run laps around our soccer field. Parents are also welcome to come and serve as cheerleaders.

Donors can give one time donation or pledge per lap. All donations will be given to Jameson Strong to assist them with their very important mission of sharing Jesus with pediatric cancer families who are in desperate need of hope.

Students who raise over $50 will receive a T-shirt with the above logo. Students raising over $100 have the option to receive a sweatshirt.

More details will be coming home next week, but please join us in prayer that the Lord will bless our efforts to assist the mission of Jameson Strong in powerful ways.

In Jesus' Love,

Mrs. Palka

P.S. In addition, so many families are affected by cancer. As a result, we will start a "Color Out Cancer" prayer chain. In our church lobby, you will find a color chart of the various types of cancer. If you know of someone who is currently dealing with cancer, or who has survived cancer, or someone who you would like us to run in their memory, please write their name on a paper that reflects their color of cancer and put it in the designated box. Our Upper Grade students will make a chain of these papers, and we will pray over it at the start of our Turkey Trot. God's richest blessings and thank you for your support in this endeavor!