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Don Chaffin Run
To think that a boy or girl might get to go to a Christian college because of my illness is exciting. We never know how God may use us. --Donald Chaffin, April 14, 2010 September 18, 2010 Gainesboro, Tennessee 5K Run & Walk Starting Time: 8:00a.m. Registration will begin on June 15th, 2010 For more information check out our Facebook page "Donchaffinrun" or email us at donchaffinrun@gmail.com. Also you can download this Flyer. 
In January 2008, Don Chaffin, was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or what is more commonly know as Lou Gehrig's disease.
Weakened by ALS, Don continued to preach at the Zion Church of Christ throughout 2008 and into 2009, delivering his last sermon at Zion from a motorized chair and aided in breathing by oxygen tanks. Don is continuing a valiant battle against ALS. Now, the Run 4 Don will embrace his legacy by raising money in his name to support a student in his or her pursuit of a higher education and to fund research dedicated to finding a cure for ALS. Please join in honoring Donald Chaffin as we run and walk to raise money to benefit students in their pursuit of a higher education and the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association in hopes of finding a cure for Lou Gehrig's disease. 4 A CUREOn July 4, 1939, baseball great Lou Gehrig stood before the crowd in Yankee Stadium and delivered his memorable farewell speech. Just weeks earlier, the Mayo Clinic had diagnosed Gehrig with a rare neurological disease called Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) - a disease that today embraces and honors his name and his jersey number - 4.In his speech, Gehrig could have chosen to talk about his great athletic accomplishments. He could have been angry or selfish about the physical abilities that were being taken away from him by this crippling disease. Instead, he simply chose to talk about how lucky he was. He thanked his teammates, coaches, fans and even his opponents. He talked about his many blessings, and the strength and courage shown by his loving wife. In his darkest hour, he still proclaimed, "Today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth. I may have had a tough break, but I have an awful lot to live for." " Just a few days after that famous speech, another great man, Donald Chaffin, turned 1 year old. Little did anyone know the connection these two men would share more than seven decades later. In January 2008, Donald Chaffin was also diagnosed by the Mayo Clinic with ALS. And like Gehrig, he turned the attention away from his life's accomplishments and focused his message on how lucky and blessed his life has been. He continues to thank his friends, his family (both physical and spiritual) and recognizes the strength and courage shown by his loving wife. In his darkest hour, he still proclaims, "When things don't go our way, we can feel sorry for ourselves or we can be thankful for what we have. I choose to be thankful." Today we recognize and pay tribute to both of these great men with the Run 4 Don. 4 A SCHOLARSHIPIn 1986, Taylor Christian Camp welcomed its first group of summer campers. Since then thousands of kids and "kids at heart" have united each summer to celebrate their faith and to strengthen their personal walk with God. Don Chaffin was instrumental in taking Jackson and Smith County youth to camp starting in 1986. He also served faithfully as a board member of Taylor Christian Camp for over 20 years.In 1993 Don and Edward Anderson became founders and co-directors of the Jackson/Smith County Youth Camp, a week of camp activities exclusively devoted to children from Smith and Jackson county. Don was diagnosed with ALS in 2008, but his love for working with young people is well defined through the countless hours of service that helped ensure the success of the camp and enrich the many lives it changed. Not only have thousands of children enjoyed the summer camp programs but hundreds have also been baptized into Christ. A portion of the proceeds raised during the Run 4 Don will be dedicated to a scholarship for a student from the Jackson/Smith County area, with emphasis on attendees of Jackson/Smith County Youth Camp. The scholarship will be awarded to the one who best embodies the camp's motto: "Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31. |