Shana Brunner and Stephanie Crull help organize the annual Walk-A-Thon, which supports Mini CHAMP while honoring the memory of Riley Randall.
By SAYDE WISE | Journalism Student, Mount Union Area Senior High School
Mount Union, Pa. — As Shirley Township Elementary prepares for its annual Walk-A-Thon, organizers Stephanie Crull and Shana Brunner shared an inside look at the event and its impact on the community. This year’s Walk-A-Thon will take place May 11, 2026, and registration is $10 per person.
For the past 12 years, Shirley Township Elementary has found a unique way to honor the memory of Riley Randall while also raising funds to support families in need. Riley, who attended Shirley Township Elementary, passed away from leukemia at age 8. Last year, she would have graduated high school.
The original purpose of the Walk-A-Thon was to help provide money for Riley’s medical expenses. Riley was also selected as one of CHAMP’s Spectacular 7, along with six other children in Huntingdon County diagnosed with cancer. Jamie Johns, known at the time as Jamie Hammond, created the Walk-A-Thon, and it eventually grew into something much greater than originally imagined.
On average, the Walk-A-Thon draws about 250 participants. This year, proceeds will go toward the Mini CHAMP fundraising total. In previous years, money raised was divided among several families in need of medical assistance, often helping Mount Union families facing hardships. Last year, four families benefited from funds raised through the Walk-A-Thon. Organizers later decided to direct proceeds to Mini CHAMP because some families were also CHAMP recipients.
The Walk-A-Thon helps young elementary students realize they can make a difference, no matter how big or small. “Their role is to try to raise something — anything. It’s a nice cause, and they know they are involved in something,” Mrs. Brunner said.
The Walk-A-Thon is ultimately another way to carry on Riley’s memory and honor how loved she was. Each year, her siblings and loved ones remain involved, continuing to make a difference in the community.
This article was published as part of Ms. Dimoff’s Journalism class at Mount Union Area Senior High School.
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