LOS ANGELES and MEMPHIS, Tenn., Oct.
24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- What began in 2005 as a fun
40-yard-dash by NFL broadcaster Rich
Eisen during NFL Scouting Combine downtime has
since become the philanthropic phenomenon known as Run
Rich Run, now entering its seventh year as a fundraiser benefiting
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital®. Today, Eisen's
efforts were celebrated on GameDay Live as Eisen was surprised
on-air with the St. Jude Ambassador of the Year award.
Personalized video messages from some very special St. Jude
patients who have participated alongside Eisen through the years
aired during the presentation of his award, which is given to
celebrities and influencers who dedicate their time and effort to
fundraise and raise global awareness of the St. Jude mission:
Finding cures. Saving children.®
Over the last six years, Eisen championed Run Rich Run, raising
more than $4.2 million for treatment
and research for children with cancer and other catastrophic
diseases. This included a record $1.7
million in 2021, an especially challenging year due to the
cancelation of the NFL Scouting Combine. Eisen laced up and put his
best foot forward, surpassing his goals like a true champion for
the St. Jude kids. More about Run Rich Run is available on St. Jude
Inspire.
"The gratitude that everyone at St. Jude Children's Research
Hospital has for Rich Eisen's
selfless dedication and genuine love for St. Jude kids is beyond
words," said Richard C. Shadyac Jr.,
President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness
organization for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. "I'm proud
to call Rich the St. Jude Ambassador of the Year, but I'm even more
proud to call him a friend. He is part of the St. Jude family and
we look forward to many more years of chanting "Run Rich Run!" and
raising funds to support the mission of St. Jude Children's
Research Hospital."
Childhood cancer is a multi-trillion-dollar, multi-year problem.
Fundraising campaigns like Run Rich Run and the fans who support it
fuel the overarching $11.5 billion,
six-year St. Jude strategic plan, which includes tripling its
global investment to impact the more than 400,000 kids with cancer
around the world each year.
St. Jude patient share special messages with Rich Eisen during broadcast
Eisen has fostered relationships with many St. Jude patient
families over the years. Several shared their thoughts during
today's broadcast, including cheering from patients Mabry and
Azalea.
Von (9) served as official timer and motivator
during the 2020 "Run Rich Run" event in Indianapolis. "Mr. Eisen, thank you for all
you do for me and for all the kids at St. Jude," said Von. "You're
the greatest!"
Bailey,16, was the on-site interviewer during the 2018
event. "I will always remember it," said Bailey. "Thank you for all
the things you do for the kids at St. Jude."
Jake, 23, a St. Jude patient since the age of two, is now
an aspiring sports broadcaster and has been a guest on The Rich
Eisen Show and the NFL Network. "Rich, with every yard you run and
every dollar you raise, it makes an impact at St. Jude," said Jake.
"I love the NFL and I love St. Jude. Seeing my two biggest passions
come together yearly, truly warms my heart. Thank you, Rich, for
everything."
St. Jude-NFL History
St. Jude and the NFL's partnership spans more
than nine years, which includes the NFL PLAY 60
program and Run Rich Run. These fundraising programs help
patients and families cope with serious illnesses through play
therapy, peer interaction and more. The combined efforts are
instrumental in creating support and awareness for the lifesaving
mission of St. Jude and providing patients with unique
experiences at various NFL events. Treatments invented at St.
Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival
rate from 20% to more than 80% since it opened nearly 60 years
ago. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment,
travel, housing or food – because all they should worry about is
helping their child live.
About St. Jude Children's Research
Hospital®
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is leading the way the
world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other
life-threatening diseases. Its purpose is clear: Finding cures.
Saving children.® It is the only National Cancer
Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to
children. Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the
overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to more than
80 percent since the hospital opened more than 50 years ago. St.
Jude won't stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude freely
shares the discoveries it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude
means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to
save thousands more children. Families never receive a bill from
St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a
family should worry about is helping their child live. Join the St.
Jude mission by visiting stjude.org, liking St. Jude
on Facebook, following St. Jude on Twitter,
Instagram and TikTok, and subscribing to its YouTube
channel.
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rich-eisen-receives-st-jude-ambassador-of-the-year-award-in-recognition-of-his-dedication-to-st-jude-childrens-research-hospital-301407164.html
SOURCE ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital