About Us

Strides 4 Kids is an organization that was started by SLU Medical Student (now alumnus) Tyler Rust and his wife Holly. With the birth of their son in 2007, they faced a life-threatening medical condition that required immediate surgery and extensive medical care for their little one. Having coped with such a traumatic experience gave them the desire to help others whose children also need life-saving treatments. They formed a group of medical students and friends at Saint Louis University who wanted to get involved in our community, help those less fortunate than ourselves and have fun at the same time.

In 2008, we teamed with The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to sponsor our first 5k run at Tower Grove Park. We received donations from 13 local businesses and over 100 entrants participated in the race. Since then, we have raised over $20,000. 2019 marks the 12th running of the Strides 4 Kids 5k, and with your help, we hope to keep expanding. Please help us in our new goal to double our proceeds to the LLS!

Every year 2,200 young people will be affected with leukemia (blood cancer). This accounts for one quarter of all childhood cancers. Thanks to research funded by caring people like you, the cure rates for these types of cancers has increased dramatically, but there is still room for improvement. This year, our race will be held at Saint Louis University School North Campus on Sunday, September 22, 2019 at 9am and will not only raise community awareness, but it will provide support to the children and families affected by this terrible disease and will raise crucial money for research. Together, we can work towards eradicating this disease.