Running has never been a passion or interest for Lynda Tysver, St. Jude Hero® and volunteer for over 30 years. “I have avoided running at all costs my entire life,” laughed Lynda.
But when her cousin "triple-dog-dared" her to run her first 5k, she knew she couldn’t turn it down. “I finished the race and didn’t come in last,” said Lynda.
As her cousin continued to challenge her to do more races, Lynda found a reason she couldn’t say no to. “As I was looking at a half marathon race, I saw charity bibs for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®.”
With the opportunity to fundraise for St. Jude, Lynda began planning monthly races to raise awareness of childhood cancer and funds for the mission that has been so close to her heart for years.
“When I first heard of St. Jude, it was during a local radiothon,” recalled Lynda. “I listened with tears to all the stories being shared, and the first thing that came to mind was these kids are kind of like me. I was born with congenial hips and in the hospital for months as an infant. While my condition wasn’t life-threatening, my mom has told me how scary it was when she didn’t understand a single word the doctors were saying to her.”
The way that St. Jude treats the whole family and speaks to them as people-first resonated with Lynda in a life-changing way. “The more I have learned about St. Jude, the more I appreciate the way that they do what they can to make it less scary for the patients and their families,” said Lynda. “There is a place where everyone talks in ways that people can understand and truly treats the patients like people, and that’s St. Jude.”
With hundreds of races now under her belt, Lynda is a St. Jude Hero® committed to fundraise throughout the year. “Over the last few years, I have raised over $100,000 through the support of family, friends and coworkers,” said Lynda.
For the first time in December 2023, her family joined her in Memphis for the St. Jude Memphis Marathon®. “My mom, who is 75, ran her second 5k ever,” smiled Lynda. “My siblings and their families came to be part of it. As they were running through the St. Jude campus, they saw why I am so passionate about St. Jude. My 17-year-old nephew heard a patient his age speak, and that personal connection has inspired him to come back next year.”
With a team of 17 runners flying into Memphis, Lynda couldn’t help but be inspired by the love for the kids of St. Jude. “By the time we left Memphis, my team was already planning to come back next year, and I’m hoping that with that passion we can double our group for 2024.”
St. Jude Hero® Lynda Tysver and her family during St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend.
St. Jude supporter Lynda Tysver on the race route during St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend.
While many people are passionate about St. Jude, very few have the St. Jude logo and names of St. Jude patients tattooed on their arm. “As I volunteered with St. Jude, I heard all these patient stories and had the opportunity to meet patient families. I don’t run for me,” said Lynda. “It hurts, I’m sore and tired. But I will run for them. And by putting their names on my arm, I am always reminded of their stories.”
It’s through those stories that Lynda continues to inspire others around her and share her passion for the mission of St. Jude. This year, Lynda received the volunteer of the year award from her employer, Lexmark International. The international company selects one employee each year and donates $5,000 to the charity of their choice. “As I was telling them about St. Jude and why I am so passionate, the CEO Allen Waugerman and a VP each matched another $5,000 for St. Jude,” smiled Lynda. “Sharing the mission is what matters.”
This year, Lynda has a race planned each month, where she will travel to fundraise for St. Jude. “This will be my training year,” said Lynda. “I am going to do the full Memphis marathon this December. I have said it before but now I mean it.”
For Lynda, St. Jude has become her purpose. “I was never able to have kids,” said Lynda. “And in the times when I feel broken, my nieces remind me that this is where I’m meant to be. I believe that this is my purpose, and I will keep going.”
I don’t run for me. It hurts, I’m sore and tired. But I will run for them. And by putting their names on my arm, I am always reminded of their stories.
- Lynda Tysver, St. Jude Hero®
