Race for a Cause: Annual benefit run helps defer expenses for single mom with cancer

More than two years ago, Scott City native Michelle Bundy, in early 20s, was expecting her second child when she began having terrible pain unrelated to the pregnancy. Soon after her son Bentley was born, Bundy was diagnosed with epithelioid angiosarcoma, a highly aggressive cancer that is incurable at this time. Doctors told Bundy that her prognosis was not good.

Bundy, a single mom with no health or life insurance, was unable to work due to her condition. Her financial outlook was grim.

Friends and family wanted to help by raising funds to defray Bundy's travel expenses to and from St. Louis for treatments. They also wanted to raise money to help pay her rent, save for her children's future and cover her final expenses. They were also hoping to provide some extra money to pay for a few fun family outings with the children before Bundy's health further deteriorated.

Out of this desire to help their friend came a 5K benefit race.

Last April's inaugural event to benefit Bundy with her mounting expenses raised more than $5,000. The funds were used to pay Bundy's rent and help with monthly travel expenses. The Michelle Bundy Cancer Fund, which was established with proceeds from the 5K run, also helped with day care expenses for Bundy's two children and provided the family with a pass to Discovery Playhouse in Cape Girardeau so that they could enjoy some quality time together.

Michelle Bundy and her daughter, Addy, at last year's event.

"Last year we were blown away by the support of the community for this event," said Tracy Smith, one of the event organizers. "We are so thankful to live in an area where people are so giving and compassionate. The proceeds from last year's 5K have really made a difference in the lives of Michelle and her kids."

Overwhelmed by the response, Bundy made this post on Facebook right before last year's event: "I have never in my life felt so blessed to have someone care so much that they would do so much to help me."

The second annual 5K run to benefit Michelle Bundy and her children is set for April 7 at Capaha Park in Cape Girardeau.

Bundy is currently hospitalized at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, and funds raised from the first 5K race are running out. Organizers are hoping that this year's event will raise enough money to take the burden of her expenses off her family and provide some comfort for Bundy and her two children, Addy, 4, and Bentley, who will turn 2 in May.

"Michelle and her family know that her time here on earth is limited now, and her hope is to spend as much of that time as possible at home with her children," Smith said.

Registration for the 5K run begins at 8 a.m. at Capaha Park with the race starting at 9 a.m. Timing will be provided by Cape Road Runners with an awards ceremony to be held after the run. Goddard Photography will also be on hand to take photographs.

In addition to the 5K, a one mile fun run/walk has been added this year. Participants with children or pets are encouraged to complete the fun run/walk.

Organizers are also encouraging all participants, their children and pets to dress in superhero costumes to support this year's event theme, "Michelle Needs a Superhero!" Prizes will be awarded for best superhero costumes.

Dacy Larkins ran in the 5K last year and plans to participate in this year's run and well.

"Knowing you are doing something for someone else is always a good feeling, even if you're just helping them out in a small way," Larkins said.

Competing with other local runners appeals to Larkins as well.

"Being an amateur runner, I love the camaraderie of being with other runners," Larkins said. "And it gives me an opportunity to push myself."

The registration fee for the 5K is $20 for those who sign up before the day of the event and $25 for registration the day of the race. Registration for the fun run/walk is $10 for those who preregister and $15 for those who sign up on the day of the event. T-shirts will also be available for $12 while supplies last.

For more information or to preregister for the race, go to www.facebook.com/TheMichelleBundy5k.re than two