Our Mission
To honor the lives of Jared and Jayne Coones
To create an event that celebrates family and community
To raise funds for research and organizations that support cancer patients and their families
Our mission has always been to honor the lives of Jared and Jayne.
Jared was just ten years old when he passed away in 1998 after a lengthy and courageous battle with leukemia. In 2006, my wife, Jayne, was reunited with Jared in Heaven following her own difficult battle with breast cancer. Through the Pumpkin Run, we come together each year to celebrate their lives, remember their courage, and support others facing similar journeys.
The past year has brought additional heartbreak to our family. In March 2025, my sister, Judy, was diagnosed with leukemia. After a courageous fight, she passed away on December 4, 2025. As we move forward, our mission will also include honoring Judy's life alongside Jared and Jayne's.
Life has not been the same without Judy by our side, but her spirit lives on through the many lives she touched. Her son, Bryan, will continue honoring her memory through a golf tournament established in her name. Together, the Pumpkin Run and golf tournament will help support our mission of celebrating family and community while raising funds for cancer research and organizations that provide care, hope, and support to cancer patients and their families.
We also lost another cherished member of the Pumpkin Run family last year. Sam Miceli, our founding Race Director, officially stepped down in 2021 but remained actively involved with the event until he passed away on November 10, 2025. Sam was instrumental in building the Pumpkin Run into what it is today, generously donating countless hours, talents, and energy over the years. He was also battling cancer and spent time receiving treatment at KU Medical Center on the same unit as Judy. His dedication, friendship, and passion for this event will never be forgotten.
As we gather on October 10, we will remember not only Jared, Jayne, Judy, and Sam, but also all of the loved ones who continue to inspire us from Heaven. Their lives remind us of the importance of faith, family, community, and supporting one another through life's greatest challenges.
We hope you will join us as we Run, Remember & Support.
Sincerely,
Tom(Jared’s Dad)
