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 | By Jeanne Busby

Run for a Good Cause

For anyone who has ever experienced firsthand or known a family journeying with a critically ill child, you understand that the struggles are real. Struggles include emotional, spiritual, and financial battles. This harsh reality was the reason that Just Keep Smiling (JKS) was formed in 2005 by three ladies who had walked this unimaginable journey. Without the grace of God and the Body of Christ in action, devastation and despair can settle into every fiber of ones being. Along with emotional despair, monthly finances easily snowball into additional anxieties. The mission of the JKS family is to be Christ to the “least of these” by sharing His love and alleviating families’ monthly financial burdens.

Social workers, along with doctors, know when the parents need to be with their child in what is oftentimes their last days or weeks.

Sadly, the ramifications of having a terminally ill child are real - having utilities cut off, cars repossessed, filing bankruptcy. No parent should have to choose between work and their child.

As a way to help those in this difficult situation, St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church in Birmingham is providing an opportunity to ensure these families receive financial relief. On April 30, in conjunction with the St. Elias Lebanese Food Festival, the 9th Annual Cedar Run 5K & Cedar Shake Fun Run will take place. All proceeds from the run will go to JKS. Consider signing up to participate, whether it is running or walking in the 5K or Fun Run, creating a team, or securing a sponsorship. Details can be found at www.StEliasCedarRun.org. Visit www.justkeepsmiling.org for more ways to support JKS’s mission.

On April 29 and 30, St. Elias will also hold the St. Elias Lebanese Food and Cultural Festival. For more information, visit https://stelias.org/festival/.

Together we can respond to His call and share what we have received from the Lord.