The 2014 Journey for Jo 5K Run/Walk & Kids Dash

Who was Jo Bryant?

Jo Bryant was a healthy, working teacher and a very involved mother and grandmother when she went to the doctor for back pain.  (She taught for 43 years, up until the day she was hospitalized.)  After tests and a biopsy, a week later, she was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma.  Her health quickly deteriorated.  She died three weeks after her diagnosis, on the way to a doctor appointment.  Her sudden death was so shocking to her family, friends, and students.  My sister and I (Julia & Kate) started the Jo Bryant Memorial Foundation shortly after her death to raise awareness and funds for CC.

Who, what, where, when & why the event is held

The Journey for Jo 5K Run/Walk & Kids Dash is held annually in Topeka, KS, where Jo lived and worked.  This year’s event was held on May 31, 2014 at Lake Shawnee.  The event is held to raise money and awareness for cholangiocarcinoma.  It’s also a means for supporting those that are fighting CC and those that have lost loved ones.  We’ve been surprised how many people have been impacted by this “rare” disease, just in NE Kansas.

How many years you have held the event?

2, with plans to continue annually

What is the total amount raised to-date?

$19,000

How many people participated in 2014?

Around 300

See their Facebook page is www.facebook.com/journeyforjo and their website is www.journeyforjo.com.