In an effort to honor her late uncle Camden Point native Baylie Wilson raised more than $1,500 for pancreatic cancer research from the Charge for Charley 5K walk / run that was held this past Saturday, Aug. 22 in her hometown.
Wilson, who lost her uncle, Charley Jameson, to pancreatic cancer back in May wanted to find a way to honor her uncle and at the same time make a difference.
“I’ve always wanted to do a run and I thought what is not a better cause than pancreatic cancer research,” Wilson told the Platte County Citizen moments before the race kicked off. “It’s not very prevalent to do and it needs more research done since a lot of people are affected by it yearly.”
Several scores of people showed up for the race. Wilson said there were 63 entrants in the race and that she was a little surprised by the turnout. The race had one banner posted in the town’s park and word of mouth and social media were used to get the event out to the public.
Wilson is a 2015 graduate of North Platte High School and is currently a graduate student at the University of Missouri-Columbia and was trying to finish classes and organize the race at the same time. She’s thankful for her family and faith.
“I just got on the phone with people I knew, I talked to the mayor and made things happen but it was a lot of work,” Wilson said. I got it all figured out because of God’s glory. He’s the one who put this all together for me.”
Baylie Wilson
Wilson also got some help from her old high school cross country coach Brendan Carey and some of the current cross country team. The cross country team helped operate water stations, directed traffic along the race route and timing at the finish line.
Carey told the Platte County Citizen when he heard about the race he wanted to connect with his former student and offer any assistance he could. Carey said the event was a great way for his students to give back to the community while participants enjoyed the race.
“I work with a great group of athletes who are always ready to step up and help others,” Carey said.
Wilson said this is the first race and there will be more in the future and has committed to growing the event even further.
“This is to honor (Charley) and give him support and praise because he deserves it and to support other families who are going to go through it as well,” Wilson said. “I hope it keeps growing each year.”
Carey said he has no doubts that Wilson will carry on the race and be successful doing it.
“One of the most difficult things for race events is creating a sustainable model that can continue to grow each year after year,” Carey said. “Baylie and her attention to detail, along with the tremendous support of the family and the surrounding community in honoring Charley Jameson and the battle against pancreatic cancer, will hopefully become an annual tradition in Camden Point.”
Family and friends of Charley Jameson gathered around a banner for the 5K walk/run named in his honor. Jameson passed away earlier this year from pancreatic cancer. The event raised more than $1,500 to help find a cure.