Friends and family walk for Elijah

December 1 has a special meaning for the family of Elijah Couch, 4 year old son of Jacob and Melody Couch of Black Oak. It was a day that 64 people consisting of his family, church family and many friends met in Memphis for the St. Jude Marathon. Elijah has been a patient at St. Jude's for two years and also particpated in the walk with his parents, family and friends.

Elijah's team was part of over 12,000 people who participated in the event. Roxanne Keiter with Refuge General Baptist Church was the coordinator for Elijah's team. She was excited and thankful for the 84 people who signed up and the 64 who participated in the event. Through various sponorships, Elijah's team received t-shirts designed with Elijah's silhoutte on the front and appropriately named "The Days of Elijah."

Those who participated in the walk were there in support of Elijah and St. Jude's. As the walk began, everyone became a part of something much bigger than just Elijah's team. They became a team walking for those children who have received treatment in the past, those receiving treatment now, and those who wil receive special treatment in the future at St. Jude's.

It is a special event Keiter hopes people will want to participate in each year.

Elijah has a younger brother, Seth Couch. He is the grandson of Larry and Kathy Ward of Lake City and Terry and Cindy Couch of Caraway.