When Rochard Weaver was a teenager running on the cross country and track and field teams at Bolivar Central High School, it was an opportunity to participate in a sport he enjoyed. Rochard’s skill and love led to him receiving a cross-country scholarship to Bethel University in 2005. At the time, Rochard never realized his running would have a more meaningful purpose in his life.
Weaver is now in training for the St. Jude Marathon Memphis Weekend. This is the fourth year he will run to raise funds for the hospital where his daughter was treated and received care when she was diagnosed with cancer.
Why Weaver Runs
“Running for St. Jude is personal. My daughter received treatment from St. Jude for brain cavernomas, and our family didn’t have to worry about the financial burden of her care. I run so other families can experience that same sense of relief,” said Weaver who has been running for 25 years. “It’s my way of giving back to a place that helped my daughter and making sure other families can receive that same care without having to worry about the financial burden.”
Participating in the St. Jude Marathon is a given in Weaver’s life. There is never a question where he will be during the first full weekend in December, which is when the race is annually held.
“The personal connection keeps bringing me back. Knowing what St. Jude did for my daughter and our family makes me want to keep showing up and helping other families receive that same support,” said Weaver. “I’m most looking forward to the spirit of the race—the people, the energy, and the overall atmosphere. There’s just something special about everyone coming together for the same cause.”
Seeing the Positive Impact
Each year, Weaver catches a glimpse of the positive impact St. Jude has in the lives of other families. Every person running alongside him is raising money to support St. Jude families.
“Last year, my friend Jennifer Marcum, was stopped during the race by a complete stranger whose daughter had received help from St. Jude. He thanked her for running, and they just stood there, hugged, and cried together,” said Weaver. “That moment really stuck with me because it showed how much this race means to the families St. Jude has helped.”
Weaver was recently promoted to captain with the Whiteville Police Department. Meeting physical fitness standards is a requirement for his position, and he carries that same discipline in his training for the marathon.
“I have a running coach who handles my training and works St. Jude into my overall race schedule. I have several races coming up before then, so it’s really about staying consistent, trusting the plan, and arriving at St. Jude ready to run.
How You Can Help!
If you would like to support Rochard Weaver in his goal to raise $750 for St Jude, you may donate now. The donation is tax-deductible.
If you are running in the St. Jude Marathon Memphis Weekend, send an email to [email protected] to be featured.
