In December of 2009, Coach Joe reached a turning point. At nearly 300 pounds, he had enough. Enough of feeling unhealthy, enough of feeling stuck — and on January 1st, 2010, he became what many call a “New Year’s Resolutioner.” But for him, it wasn’t just about a gym membership — it was about reclaiming his life.

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With determination and grit, Coach Joe started running. Just two and a half months later, on March 14, 2010, he completed his first 5K — the start of something much bigger than he could have imagined. That year alone, he ran nearly a 5K every other week. The momentum was building.

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Then came the invitation that would change everything — the St. Jude Chicago to Peoria Run. A 160-mile relay? At first, he laughed and said, “How many miles?” But with only a moment’s hesitation, he said yes. And just like that, Year 1 was underway.

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Now, 16 years later, Coach Joe has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital — and he's far from alone.

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What began as one man’s personal transformation has become a movement. Today, the Everyday Heroes team is made up of 8 individuals — each with their own struggles, their own lives, and their own reasons for showing up. But they come together with one powerful purpose:

 

To fight for the kids of St. Jude.

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No titles. No egos. Just real people doing extraordinary things for a cause bigger than themselves.