Brenda Gibbons and Tammy Dougan started to plan the first Superhero 5K in 2013 after the son of Tammy’s co-worker was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. The race was an effort to raise funds for Carter Nuckols, son of former Russellville Police Officer Michael Nuckols. Carter’s campaign was “Hero’s for Carter” and heroes are exactly what we got- superheroes!
The River Valley community came together and made the race a success with nearly 500 participants, making the Superhero 5K Rusellville’s biggest race ever at that time! An astounding amount of volunteers made the event possible. The organization was able to donate over $8200 to the Nuckols family to help with their medical and travel expenses.
Due to the overwhelming community support, Brenda and Tammy decided to make the race an annual event, honoring a different child in the community each year. Their goal is to raise awareness of child cancer and to continue bringing the community together!
Since the first year, the organization has become a 501(c)(3) and have helped numerous local families with a child affected by cancer or another serious illness or injury. Donations to these families to date are in excess of $80,000. In 2019, Katye Jones joined the group of directors and the trio continue to bring the community together.
Tammy (left), Katye (middle), Brenda (right)
