As a volunteer at Cook Children’s Medical Center, TCU nursing senior Shelby Sannar has seen firsthand the challenges families face when their child is sick.

Sannar’s support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital goes back to a color run fundraiser she organized in high school. Now, her role as the community service chair of the TCU Student Nurses Association and fundraising director for Frogs for Pediatrics gives Sannar a platform to help through TCU.

Frogs Fighting Cancer and TCU Wellness are also sponsoring the 5K that helps support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. As of Sept. 22, they have raised almost $1,000. 

“Seeing the support at TCU has been just as powerful,” Sannar said.

“If you share something you’re passionate about, people are usually pretty supportive,” Sannar said. “Everyone has been really encouraging — our faculty, team members and participants. I love teamwork and working in the community.”

The run starts at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, in Lot 13 outside Lupton Baseball Stadium. 

“This is just our first time hosting this run,” Sannar said. “If we can get a base for our organization’s future, that would be great.” 

So far, more than 75 volunteers and 60 runners have signed up to participate. Faculty, staff, students and community members have all contributed to the effort through donations and spreading the word of the event.

The run will include water, snacks and first-aid stations along the route. Donations from all four student organizations involved will go directly to St. Jude’s. Those unable to attend are encouraged to donate.

“Kids with cancer are often overlooked, and research for them is very underfunded,” Sannar said. “What’s most important is treating them as a person instead of just a diagnosis.”

Sannar hopes the 5K will become a lasting tradition at TCU.

“Go gold,” Sannar said, echoing the awareness color for childhood cancer.