Friday, Oct. 7, 2005 | ||
Bad Links? | Racing in PTC Classic is a promise for local familyThere is probably no greater fear for a parent than to see their child suffer from a disease that is life threatening. Such was the case for David and Sherri Jett of Newnan when their then 12-year-old son Derek was diagnosed with T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma in the 4th stage in February of 2003. Derek was not about to accept his fate lying down, however. He underwent a rigorous regimen of chemotherapy that lasted over a year. The treatment seemed to be working, but it took its toll nonetheless. Derek was forced to give up playing soccer for the Peachtree City Lazers, he began to lose his hair, and after a year was feeling lethargic and frankly, a little depressed. In mid-June of that year, Derek was hospitalized at Egleston Childrens Hospital with a severe infection. In an effort to boost his sons spirits, on the 1st of July, David promised Derek he would run the Peachtree 10K the next year and get him a coveted T-shirt. With Derek as his inspiration, Dad made good on his promise and Derek in turn decided he would do the same for his Dad the following year. Derek, now 14 and in remission, along with his older brother David and his father began to train so that he could keep his promise. Although he was still on chemotherapy, he ran the Peachtree in 68 minutes and gave his Peachtree T-shirt to his Dad in gratitude for his support throughout his chemo treatment. What began as a fathers efforts to motivate his son back to health has now grown into a combined effort. Derek will run the PTC Classic 5K along with his Dad on October 15. Not only will it be a milestone for both, but they will run the Peachtree Classic together as a reminder of the battles won and to continue in the pursuit of both a new found father and son tradition and a healthy lifestyle. This will be their first opportunity to earn their own, specially designed, 25th anniversary Windshirt. Dereks training for the Classic 5k is paying off in other ways as well. In preparation for getting back on the soccer team, Derek serves as a referee for the Coweta County Soccer Association. Derek anticipates getting back to his favorite sport as a soccer player soon, but in the meantime, the Classic 5k will serve as a near-term goal on his way back to complete health. All finishers in the different races will receive the same special commemorative edition sweat shirt to mark the 25th year of this Classic event. There will also be random drawings for assorted prizes, but participants must be present to win. RRCA Awards will be presented to top three male and female finishers overall and in the masters category, and also to the top three male and female finishers in each of 14 age groups. USATF Championship medals will be awarded to the top five Open Male and Open Female runners. You must be a USATF member to be eligible for the USATF awards. Applications are available at various locations in Peachtree City, Newnan, and Fayetteville, including local recreation departments, libraries, and sporting goods stores. Applications are also available at some of the sponsors of our race, including Chic-Fil-A, World Gym, Talbot State Bank, Wyndham Peachtree Conference Center, Mahaffey Orthodontics, FC&A, Publix, and Southside Consulting. You can also register on line at www.ptcrc.com If you have any further questions about the race, you can send e-mail to ptcclassic@bellsouth.net. |
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