On Friday, April 8th, 2022, Truett McConnell University (TMU) will hold a 5K run/walk event from 9:00am until 12:00pm to raise funds for K9s for Warriors. This charity pairs military veterans with rescue-turned-Service-Dogs in a program that helps heal two lives.
A Worthy Cause
Jeremiah Lukers, Assistant Professor of Exercise Science at TMU, helped the university partner with K9s for Warriors because he is passionate about both corporate health and supporting veterans. He said, “Spiritual, mental, and physical health are all related. If one is out of balance, you can see the ramifications.” Through this event, TMU will be able to serve veterans and encourage physical health in the local community.
K9s for Warriors provides a unique way to help veterans who suffer from PTSD, brain injuries, and sexual trauma. This charity rescues dogs from shelters, trains them as Service Dogs, and pairs them with veterans to form a relationship that saves two lives. Their program has proven successful in helping veterans reduce suicide ideation while simultaneously saving the lives of 1,300 rescue dogs.
A Route to Help
The route for the 5K charity event will traverse many parts of TMU’s campus, including the paths near baseball field, the mountain biking trails, the soccer field, and the front entrance. Student volunteers will be needed to help prepare the course prior to the event.
TMU faculty and the community are also invited to help set markers around the course and man water stations during the day. Additionally, students and faculty can help the success of the event by spreading the word to friends and family who may be interested in supporting the cause.
Since the 5K will cover various types of terrain, Lukers suggests that participants wear running or hiking shoes. Additionally, merchandise will be available for purchase to participants and volunteers the day of the 5K event to help raise as much funds as possible.
Sign-ups and Donations
The run/walk 5K is open to all age and ability groups, including TMU students, faculty, and the local community. The cost of registration is only $25, but participants are encouraged to donate more. A specially designed t-shirt is included in the cost to participate.
Donations can be made in memorial of family (veterans, service personnel, or a pet dog), whether you wish to participate running/walking or not.
Lukers said, “This is a way to reach out… the person who might benefit from the money we raise may be unsaved. They can know this money came from Truett McConnell, and we’re praying for them.”
To sign up or donate now, click the link below:
http://support.k9sforwarriors.org/goto/TMU5kForK9sForWarriors
For those who are interested in donating to the event, donor levels can be found at
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Anna Skudarnova is a senior English major and content writer for the TMU Marketing and Communications Department.
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