Have you heard of the SJ5K? 

The SJ5K started in May of 2011. But that’s not why it started. In December of 2010, Canton sophomore Jesse Lindlbauer (Known as Super Jesse) suffered a near-fatal brain injury. There were no new complications, but what Jesse fought was brain trauma, meningitis, and other complications that were brought on by what was believed to be a mild sinus infection. Jesse spent eleven weeks at C.S. Mott Hospital, surviving two emergency brain surgeries, and then began his long road to recovery. Through their darkest hours local students, teachers, and more gave rounded-up support to help the Lindlbauer family.

In May 2011, they utilized the power of the community and they created the first-ever SJ5K. After months of planning the founding team helped get enough funds and 1,800 runners to help purchase a wheelchair-accessible van and fund home modifications to help make Jesse’s life easier. The next year, they decided to use Jesse’s name to help the Plymouth-Canton families in crisis. Since 2011, SJ5K has helped over 45 families who have been in crisis situations. All proceeds go to the selected families. SJ5K continues to be run by high school students at the Park, volunteers, and local small businesses.

Caroline states, “People should join/go to the SJ5K because you are helping many of families get the support that they deserve and it also just helps the schools a bit as well. The SJ5K is very fun and getting ready for it and walking/running it is always the best on race day.”

Think about it and join! Join the SJ5K now at sj5k.org to make people’s situations better!