The St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend never fails to bring memories, inspiration, and hope, and this year was no exception.  This year was made even more special by the SamStrong team welcoming our nephew Mark, his oldest daughter Emmaline, and six of Emmaline’s friends.  It meant so much to us to have them join us in the 5k, honoring Sam’s legacy and supporting the kids of St. Jude.  As the girls were lined up for the start, joining in the pre-race celebrations, the race announcer spotted them and gave a big shout-out to Team SamStrong.  What a moment!  We all had a great time, and enthusiasm was built for an even stronger return in 2026!

We are so very grateful to everyone who supports SamStrong.  Thanks to our friends in the Reitz Memorial High School family, the Indiana University Indianapolis Honors College / Alpha Lambda Delta / Phi Eta Sigma, and so many individual supporters, we helped St. Jude raise an amazing $15,800,000 this past weekend!  We are so looking forward to the day when Danny Thomas’ vision is fulfilled, and no child dies in the dawn of life.  What a celebration it will be!

On September 12, 2025, the Reitz Memorial Tigers played the 13^th annual SamStrong Childhood Cancer Awareness football game, hosting the Mater Dei Wildcats.   The game was also Feeder School Night, with the Tigers recognizing the potential future Tigers playing in the Catholic elementary and middle school football programs.  The stands were packed, and the Memorial student section was a solid block of black and gold SamStrong shirts!

And what a game it was!  The game was tied 7-7 at halftime, but the Tigers fell behind in the second half.  A time-consuming fourth quarter touchdown drive put Mater Dei ahead 21-7 with just over a minute remaining, and the Tigers were facing a seemingly unsurmountable challenge.

Never give up.  Never stop fighting.  Keep believing.  That was the message Sam shared, through his actions, with the Memorial student body throughout his battle with cancer.  That was the spirit the Tigers put into the final minute of the game.  A quick score brought the deficit down to seven points.  The Tigers then executed a perfect on-sides kick, recovering the ball around mid-field.  Keeping their poise, and continuing to believe, the Tigers scored the game-tying touchdown with eight seconds remaining!   On to overtime!

The Tigers got first possession and made it count.  On a “I will not be stopped” run, the Tigers scored a touchdown.  Now it was the defense’s turn.  After their first two plays, Mater Dei had the ball inside the one-yard line.  Again, the Tigers were facing tough odds, with their opponent having two chances to gain a foot.  Third down – stuffed for no gain!  Down to one play, the Tigers defense again rose to the challenge, stuffing the run and completing a truly remarkable comeback victory.

Never give up.  Never stop fighting.  Keep believing.  The Tigers showed their families, their classmates, their friends, and all the young future Tigers exactly what those words mean.  Coach John Hurley and his staff are teaching these young men the game of football while instilling the character required to be strong Christian men.

Congratulations to the Tigers on a game for the ages!