The Hope Express has run its last mile, but the reason why is not clear.
The organization posted a statement on its website Sunday stating that it will not be running to THON 2017. The statement primarily explained what the organization has grown to accomplish and thanked those who made it all possible.
“We celebrated our 10th Anniversary last February, running with a record 5 teams,” the post reads. “What we didn’t realize at the time was that this would be our last run. We will not be running to THON in February 2017. The decision to end the running of the Hope Express is not one that has been taking lightly.”
The Hope Express, which was created to support THON and the Four Diamonds’ Funds efforts to help pediatric cancer patients, has always been regarded as a special bond for those that can’t make it to THON because of their illnesses. The 135-mile run is a huge undertaking for the THON and Four Diamonds alumni who participate, but the purpose the run and charity serve is an important one that can’t be duplicated.
The organization was created by Four Diamonds parents Hank and Connie Angus, whose son Gabe was treated for leukemia at Penn State Hershey.
The statement provides no reason for the discontinuation of the run that brought a unique aspect to THON weekend and a special connection between the children at Penn State Hershey Medical Center and the dancers in the BJC. The post does state that The Hope Express maintains the trademark rights to “The Hope Express” and “Hopester.”
“We will retain the rights to “The Hope Express” and the trademark rights to “Hopester”. Moving forward, the use of either of these items is forbidden without written consent.”
The Hope Express has seen significant growth since its inception in 2006. For THON 2016 five teams of runners traveled different routes to the BJC to hand deliver the letters. More than 200 runners have participated in the journey to Happy Valley and the organization has raised more than $650,000 for the Four Diamonds Foundation.
The complete statement from The Hope Express is below:
Dear Friends,
We started The Hope Express ten years ago because of a tremendous need we had to pay back The Four Diamonds Fund for giving us a future with our son. In 2006 we decided to run to THON with a few simple goals: to give back and raise awareness for the Four Diamonds Fund, by running through the communities of central Pennsylvania. By doing this, we could bridge the gap between the children at Penn State Children’s Hospital and the students at Penn State. You all know the rest of the story because you helped to write it.
Over the next 10 years, what started with 15 runners and a few volunteers would evolve into a year-round charity, with several events raising more than $650,000 for THON. We’ve had over 200 runners carry the magic pouch through Central Pennsylvania, stopping at countless local businesses who have supported us along the way.
We celebrated our 10th Anniversary last February, running with a record 5 teams. What we didn’t realize at the time was that this would be our last run. We will not be running to THON in February 2017. The decision to end the running of the Hope Express is not one that has been taking lightly. We will retain the rights to “The Hope Express” and the trademark rights to “Hopester”. Moving forward, the use of either of these items is forbidden without written consent.
We want to thank everyone who has helped with our “crazy little run.” Especially our volunteers, local business owners, our drivers, moralers, and most of all our runners. Thank you only goes so far when your gratitude is so deep. Thank you for believing in this silly little idea and making it bigger than life. Thank you for welcoming our family into your hearts. Thank you for carrying the mission of Four Diamonds with you every day.
Stay in touch, keep the friendships that have formed alive and come knocking on our door often. You are always welcome with open arms and a tremendous hug. We love each and every one of you. May you be blessed with good health and happiness always.
