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“Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” Galatians 6:2

When our St. Matthew eighth-grade classes select to travel to NYC for their class trip, one of my favorite photos is always a group shot in front of this particular LOVE statue. I treasure it so much that I always display it on my door until it’s replaced by the next graduating class.    

The above photo was taken at the conclusion of the Class of 2023’s eighth-grade year. Little did we know that three-and-a-half years later, these same students would have an opportunity to put the concept of LOVE into action for one of their classmates.

This year, our Turkey Trot is entitled “Be The Light And Run For Braedon!”. This group of students was in fifth grade when Braedon received his first two liver transplants. They have grown up alongside his story, and now, as high school seniors, they have an opportunity to come together, once again, for their friend.

A few weeks ago, I received a request from one of the alumni pictured here. He had heard that we were holding the 2026 St. Matthew Turkey Trot in honor of his former classmate, Braedon Breeding, and wanted to know if the Class of 2023 could come back to participate in this special Turkey Trot and also run to support their friend.

What a touching request, as well as a beautiful reminder that the friendships and connections formed at St. Matthew have the potential to continue and flourish long after our students have left our hallways.

On November 13, 2026, Braedon’s former classmates, now high school seniors, will return to St. Matthew and run alongside our current students in raising funds to help ease the financial burden of Braedon’s lengthy hospital stay.

Love Does, by Bob Goff, is a favorite book among the St. Matthew staff. Its message is one we believe in deeply: LOVE isn't just something we say or feel. It's also something we DO. It's about showing up, being present, and putting love into action.

To me, this is a perfect example of what makes St. Matthew unique and special. The relationships we build here don't end when students move on to high school. They stay connected. They show up for one another. They find ways to make a difference.

Three years ago, the graduating class of 2023 stood together around a LOVE statue in NYC. This November, they're coming back to show us what that LOVE looks like in action.

In addition, every St. Matthew student has this same opportunity! Please join us on Friday, November 13th, for our 16th Annual Turkey Trot entitled, “Be The Light and Run For Braedon!”

On the day of the Turkey Trot, students will run laps around our soccer field. Parents are welcome to come and serve as cheerleaders. Grades Pre - Grade 4 will run from 9:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Grades 5 - 8 will run from 3:00 - 3:25 p.m. with members of the Class of 2023.  

As students collect pledges, donors can give a one time donation or pledge per lap. All donations will be given to Braedon and his mom to help defray their medical and other accrued expenses throughout these past six months. To get a new form please click HERE.

Students who raise over $50 will receive a T-shirt with the Turkey Trot logo. Students raising over $100 have the option to select a sweatshirt or a T-shirt with the same logo.

Sometimes being the light doesn't mean doing something extraordinary. It simply means showing up, loving others, and trusting that God can use even our smallest acts of kindness to become part of someone else's miracle.

We thank you for your tremendous love and support for Braedon and we pray this Turkey Trot will be a significant blessing for his family!

Mrs. Palka