Although over twenty years have passed since I ran on my high school cross country team, I will never forget the day cancer took my teammate’s life when we were both freshmen. Justin MacDonald was a gifted runner and a kind soul. We went to cross country camp together the summer before he passed away, and I remember we had the time of our lives that summer. We all got to know each other on a deeper level, and I knew at that point that Justin was a special person. While many teenagers tend to seek the spotlight, he turned his attention outward, always supporting his teammates and treating others with kindness and respect. The team was devastated when Justin was diagnosed with cancer shortly after camp. We couldn’t comprehend how unfair it was that such a terrible disease would strike such a good person.

Despite a grueling treatment regimen, Justin kept his head up and fought hard throughout his treatments. The day I learned Justin passed away, I felt compelled to do something that would honor his life, help others dealing with cancer, and keep his memory alive. My dad and I brainstormed ideas and came up with a plan to establish an annual fundraiser consisting of a walk/run up Wilken’s Peak outside of Rock Springs in memory of Justin MacDonald. Thanks to coaches Brad and Donna Dekrey and many generous donors, the run has since evolved into an even bigger fundraiser honoring two other former RSHS Tigers who left us too soon - Nicole Peterson and Dan Bruner, aka “Beano.” May they never be forgotten.