Lizzy's Walk of Faith
My Journalism 1400 class led to the eye-opening opportunity of talking with John Wampler, the father of a young girl named Lizzy who passed away from Osteosarcoma. After interviewing Wampler in fall of 2023, I was able to attend the event his family holds annually in remembrance of Lizzy and in awareness of pediatric cancer. Wampler and all attendees radiated such a light. It was an honor to attend and write about; I truly still think about that day and experience.
Banners catch the cool breeze on September 16, 2023 in Columbia Missouri’s Bethel Park. Besides these gentle additions to the scenery come a hard-to-miss gathering of young community members being presented with medals: a sign of their battle against pediatric cancer.
“We honor them with Lizzy medals… [Lizzy’s Walk of Faith] is a very moving, emotional and awesome event. You’re going to leave a different person,” Lizzy’s father, John Wampler, said.
The crowd consists of families, face painters and even princesses such as Snow White who watch as three local children are recognized for their strength. Lizzy’s Walk of Faith is a 5k run and park gathering for anyone to join, put together by Lizzy’s family after her passing in 2018.
“It [cancer] is a heavy topic; I have little kids and you realize it can happen to anybody,” father and participant Ryan Hopper said.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and the return of the annual event hosted by the Wampler family to continue the fight their daughter Lizzy tackled for 18 long months.
“Her passion for her purpose kept her strong, and it keeps us carrying the torch,” Wampler said.
While the run is in Lizzy’s name and remembrance, it symbolizes hope and memorial for others with personal connections.
“I’ve lost people to cancer so it means a lot to me to help out the best I can,” event volunteer Paul Katour said.
One organization strongly partnered with both the Wamplers and other affected families is St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. At the University of Missouri, Delta Delta Delta sorority exemplifies this beneficiary year-round and was a proud supporter of the walk.
“Let me tell you, they [the Wamplers] were some of the most amazing people I have ever met; they were so grateful for Tri Delta and Greek life. I can’t wait to keep working and learning more about St. Jude’s after seeing how much it really makes an impact,” freshman Tri Delta member Lily Aikmus said.
Of course, events such as this highlight how Columbia is more than just a college town. Families and community members of all ages showed up to support the cause.
“I loved seeing everyone on the corners clapping. [The energy] was amazing; I’ve never smiled so much while running,” participant Christie Lontaugi said.
Whether it be for an overall appreciation and support of Lizzy, or a deeply personal connection to the cause, the Walk of Faith brought inspiration, awareness and support to a cause in Columbia and beyond.