Start Baptist Church lead pastor Jeff Thomas is one of only five people to be a St. Jude Hero to run the Boston Marathon this April.
“I love St. Jude because they are making a true difference in the lives of so many children and their families,” Thomas said. “I run with purpose, and I run for people. My purpose is always to glorify God, and I run to remember people who have passed away and to honor people who are struggling.”
Thomas’ involvement with St. Jude began when his five-month-old daughter, Hillary, died of a brain tumor on Nov. 6, 1996.
“Had she lived through her surgery, we would have been at St. Jude for her recovery process and treatments,” Thomas said. “My wife and I know the hardships and the pain involved when a child is diagnosed with cancer. That is why we love St. Jude so much. They help children and families by meeting their needs as best as they can, and they give true hope and love to children and families in very desperate circumstances.”
Thomas ran his first marathon on Nov. 6, 2022 -- the anniversary of his daughter’s death -- when he joined the Twin Cities Marathon in Monroe and West Monroe. Cancer struck the family again n 2024 when his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer.
“She is a fighter, and she has been so faithful and so encouraging through it all,” Thomas said. “I am so thankful to say today she is cancer free. When I run, I run for her, as well. She is my hero.”
As a St. June Hero, Thomas is helping to raise funds for the charity as part of his marathon run. You can donate at https://bit. ly/4jhKIUb “Your donations are vital for everything St. Jude is doing, and your donations are the fuel in my tank to run hard for the St. Jude children and their families,” Thomas said. “God is faithful and continues to bless me and my family. I have a loving church family who supports me and encourages me daily to do what I love. God continues to give me incredible opportunities to be a blessing to others through my Start Baptist Church family and through my running community. I truly want to be a vessel of God’s love, grace, and mercy to others, helping as many people as I can along my journey. I am thankful to be a St. Jude Hero as I train for and run in many races. I am very excited about this opportunity to run the 2025 Boston Marathon.”
Jeff Thomas
