Jacque Waller 5k Run/Walk

As June 1, 2012, approaches our small family of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield workers quietly consoles one another through memories. We have pictures in our minds of her face, an experience we shared with her, or how she would have reacted to events in our lives and in the lives of her family and children. This is how we keep her alive because as of June 1, 2011, we do not know what became of our friend, Jacque Waller.

What we do know is that she left work on June 1, 2011, to pick up her son from her estranged husband and was never seen or heard from again. All that has been found are her car, abandoned near the Fruitland Exit on I-55, and some of her personal belongings--none of which has led the Jackson police closer to her whereabouts. Jacque's estranged husband has since been incarcerated on charges unrelated to her disappearance.

Our Anthem family joined and supported searches, reached out to her family, organized vigils and fundraisers, and cried together over a circumstance that was beyond our comprehension. The actions felt good, like therapy. We could reminisce with others who "got" those Jacque moments and what she loved, or what she did not. Taking action meant the evil side of the unknown circumstances around her disappearance would not win--we were not going to just "let it go."

Jacque had big plans for the summer of 2011. She was getting a fresh start with a new home, a new puppy, and with the new flexibility of working from home. She had also been improving her health through physical training and was going to run a 5k. Jacque looked great and was excited to open wide this new chapter in her life.

Jacque's joyful plans inspired the organization of the 1st Annual Jacque Waller 5k Run/Walk. Our little Anthem family wanted to spend the first weekend in June focused on the positive surrounding Jacque's new life. In a way we will feel as though we are completing the 5k on her behalf. We also want her family and triplets to know that her memory is just as alive inside of us as it is for each of them.

Her family approved of our idea and that was important since her children are never far from our thoughts and always in our prayers. Proceeds raised from the 5k will be donated to the Jacque Waller Family Fund at US Bank. This fund is important as it provides a financial cushion to Jacque's sister and brother-in-law. These selfless individuals have wholeheartedly embraced their role as the triplet's parents since Jacque's disappearance.

We truly believe that wonderful things will come from the 1st Annual Jacque Waller 5k Run/Walk. For more information, including flyers and forms, please visit the website http://jacquewaller5k.com or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/JacqueWaller5kRun .