Update: He did it! Lou’s Make-A-Wish run at Pathfinder

11:21 AM: Somewhere around lap 37 of his 60 fundraising laps for Make-A-Wish (explained in our Sunday story), Pathfinder K-8 teacher Lou Cutler had to take a break. For a good reason – a KING 5 TV photojournalist had shown up to interview him and roll a little video as Lou and students ran/walked around the field during his annual fundraiser.

After that, “we’re going to be on channel 5!” was the buzz in the spectator gallery – but shortly, it was back to “How many laps has Lou done?” (There’s an easel where young assistants are diligently marking off each one and shouting his progress as he passes by during each lap.) He told the TV visitor he’s more than halfway to his $6,000 fundraising goal for this year’s run. (If you missed our story – Lou doesn’t just run to raise money for Make-A-Wish, one lap for each year as his 60th birthday approaches; he’s volunteered for them for 15 years and is on the team that grants “rush wishes” – for children who may be in their final days or even final hours, as was the case of little Gracie, to whom this year’s run is dedicated.)

12:26 PM: He did it!

60 laps equals 10 miles, by the way.

5 Replies to "Update: He did it! Lou's Make-A-Wish run at Pathfinder"

  • lina June 6, 2011 (11:31 am)

    was just down there to walk a do a few laps, so cool to see all the kids walking/running laps too. what an awesome way to raise funds as well as inspire kids to be active and outside! Happy birthday lou! you are such an asset to our community!

  • Alvis June 6, 2011 (1:12 pm)

    Bless Lou — and bless each and every Pathfinder student or community member who joined him in walking the walk & running the run to benefit Make A Wish.

  • Kat in HighPoint June 6, 2011 (3:56 pm)

    Let me help paint a picture that was probably difficult to capture on film. Every class from Kindergarten through 8th grade went running with Lou this morning. Somewhere in the neighborhood of 400 kids. Not to mention all of the teachers, parents, and neighbors that joined in the effort.
    .
    These kids ran their little hearts out. Each child had their own sheet to mark laps run that was tallied by the staff. As the parent of a kindergartener, I went out to run with my daughter expecting that she’d stop after a few laps. But, no. She ran a full 2.5 miles (15 laps) before she was forced to stop for lunch.
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    As I ran alongside her the field was buzzing with kids shouting their triumph as they reached 5 miles, 7 miles, or even those who were keeping pace with Lou. It was amazing.
    .
    Lou has really inspired the kids. His inspiration reaches beyond simple physical fitness but to setting and reaching personal goals as well as supporting a good cause. I saw so many kids really reaching deep within themselves this morning and we’re all better off for it.
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    So, if you haven’t already done so, please a make a gift to the Make-A-Wish Foundation (link is above). I know about 400 kids who put in their sweat this morning to support your donation…

  • Bonnie June 6, 2011 (4:48 pm)

    Wonderful! I had to work but when my son came home from school today he handed me his slip showing he ran 24 laps! I calculated that out to FOUR MILES! Makes me proud.

  • Joshua Hanson June 8, 2011 (9:33 pm)

    Running with Lou is just amazing. It takes serious dedication (And a couple Aleve after) To do something as selfless as this. Ever since he started I’ve been there running with him, and though every lap is the same each one makes a difference.

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