Community 5K in support of highly-regarded police officer
By Amy Shanahan; photos by Lynn Zahorik
More than 900 runners from the Castle Pines community and beyond came together on May 2 to participate in the Rise & Run 5K event in support of Denver Police Officer John Adsit who was severely injured in December of last year in the line of duty. Adsit and his family are active members of Foundry Church in Castle Pines and the church members organized this wonderful event in order to raise funds for Adsit’s medical expenses.
The course for the run began and ended at Foundry Church and wound through Castle Pines neighborhoods and Elk Ridge Park. More than 100 volunteers and 45 sponsors made the day possible and the church was overwhelmed with the tremendous show of support. “The outpouring of support was a phenomenal example of the community coming together to put others first,” stated Jen Prosser of Foundry Church. “The amount of support raised for the Adsit family was a display of radical generosity. This will allow the Adsits to engage fully in their family on John’s long road to recovery.”
Castle Pines resident Jeff Thomason participated in the event with his wife Blake and their four children. “John’s son has played with my son in basketball and John and I have coached against each other over the years. I have always admired the way he dedicates his life to his family. He is an inspirational father and was a great competitor to coach against,” Thomason remarked. “We were extremely impressed by the turnout. It was so inspirational to see the local support. It makes me very proud to be a part of this community.”
The Adsit family participated in the event and thanked Foundry Church and the local community with the following letter:
“We have been trying to think of a way to sufficiently thank everyone who participated in the Rise & Run 5K, but the words that come to us seem so small compared to the gifts you have given our family. The amount of money raised for John is life changing! John has worked off duty for the last eight years to support our family. Due to his extensive injuries, John will not be able to work any off duty until he fully recovers. The amount of money raised will allow John to concentrate on getting better without the stress of this lost income. John is back home and spends most of his time at physical therapy or doctor appointments. He will have three more surgeries this fall. His road to recovery will definitely be a long one, but we are so grateful that he is alive and willing to take on this challenge. Thank you for your support. Our entire family is blessed by your generosity.
Sincerely, John and Michelle Adsit and family.”
