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Here at Community Lending of America, we are excited to highlight the Jared Coones Pumpkin Memorial 5k Walk/Run!

On October 5th, 1998 after a long and courageous battle with leukemia, 10-year-old Jared Coones passed away. Jayne, Jared’s mom, passed away on December 17th, 2006 after a difficult fight with Inflammatory Breast Cancer. They are both missed deeply by their family.

In remembrance of both Jared and Jayne, the Coones Family created the Jared Coones Pumpkin Memorial 5k Walk/Run. This event is committed to remembering Jared and Jayne and all they both stood for and what is important in life…love, faith, strength, and courage. The race has 3 main goals – to honor Jared and Jayne, to celebrate family and community, and to raise funds for research and organizations that support cancer patients and their families. In the 23 years since the race’s conception, over $865,000 has been raised and donated to several local charities that helped their family during Jared & Jayne’s illnesses and after their passing. A portion of the money that has been donated to Children’s Mercy Hospital over the years was earmarked for nursing scholarships in Hematology and Oncology. On Friday, June 17, 2022, they were given the opportunity to present the first two scholarships as part of the Jared Coones Endowed Nursing Scholarship in Hematology and Oncology. The two recipients are attending nursing school and the scholarship money will help them both obtain their nursing degrees.

On Saturday, October 8th 2022, the 24th annual race will start and end at Blackbob Elementary School, the school that Jared attended. You can learn more, register for the race, or donate at pumpkinrunwalk.org. Help us spread the word throughout Kansas City about this amazing event. We hope to see you there!

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