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Local Couple Who Both Survived Cancer To Lead St. Jude Team At Annual Dragon Boat Races

An amazing story of survival, determination, and love.
Local Couple Who Both Survived Cancer To Lead St. Jude Team At Annual Dragon Boat Races

An amazing story of survival, determination, and love.

Former St. Jude patient Joel Alsup lost his right arm to cancer when he was just 7-years-old. This year, Alsup will captain the first-ever team of St. Jude patient families at the 7th annual Duncan-Williams St. Jude Dragon Boat Races at Mud Island River Park in the Wolf River Lagoon on Saturday, May 12.

By his side as co-captain is Lindsey Wilkerson, who is also a former St. Jude patient. The two met during their treatment at St. Jude when they were young teens. They fell in love and recently got engaged.

Alsup says paddling a boat with one arm sounds challenging, but he’s willing and able.

“I get to wake up every day and enjoy a beautiful world with a beautiful girl so everything else is just gravy. I absolutely love what I get to do, and I’m totally adjusted to life with just a left hand,” said Alsup.

“The fact that we get to work together for the hospital that saved our lives and the fact that we have the opportunity to get to do fun things like the dragon boat races is just a tiny way we can give back for all that’s been given to our families,” said Wilkerson.

The dragon boat races will be May 12th from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Mud Island River Park at the Wolf River Lagoon at 125 North Front Street.

You can register or get more information by CLICKING HERE.

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