Hoffman run for St. Jude Hospital is Saturday

When her 14-year-old godson, Anthony Sottile, was diagnosed with leukemia three years ago and could no longer run, Jules Sottile Campagna began running in his place.

“I’ve never been much of a runner, but when he got sick and could no longer run, I took over for him,” said Campagna. “Now he owns my feet and legs.”

After battling the illness for three years, Anthony passed away in February of 2010 at the age of 17.

And on Saturday, Aug. 6, Campagna, along with the Hoffman Estates Park District, will host “Running for Anthony,” a 5K walk/run in her godson’s honor.

The course will start at 1704 Glen Lake Road at High Point Park in Hoffman Estates. Registration is $25 per adult and begins at 2 p.m. All proceeds from the event will go toward St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

After the race, the park district will be giving a party in the park from 4-10 p.m. with free admission, free food, a live band and a cash beer and wine tent.

This year, close to 30 people will be participating in the race and Campagna is hoping to make the walk/run an annual event.

“This is for him, he is my hero,” Campagna said. “Anthony is extremely special and I want everyone to know him.”

Anthony is her inspiration, she said, and he will be on her mind throughout the afternoon.

“He burned me CDs of his favorite songs a couple of years ago,” she added. “And whenever I run, I always listen that music. It makes me feel like he’s right there with me.”