WILLIAMSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS (WSIL) -- A local mother is working to spread awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving, while raising money for student scholarships as well as community programs.Ìý
Cindy Walsh is the mother of Kegan Johns, a four-sport athlete who graduated from Johnston City and had plans to join the Marines.Ìý
While on a trip to Florida before boot camp, the 18-year-old passed away in a single-vehicle crash in 2004.
Kegan was a passenger and his friend had been driving more than 100 mph while intoxicated.Ìý
"It's very surreal when you get that knock on the door at 2 a.m. by a Williamson County deputy telling you that your child is never going to come home to you," she recalls. "How do you deal with that? What do you do?"Â
Walsh began participating in 5K walks and runs with family and friends as a way to add some positivity back into her life and thought creating a race would be a good way to keep Kegan's memory alive.
"Purely by the grace of God I stand here today because its not something you think that you would survive from," she says.Ìý
This year, will be the 6th annual Kegan Johns Memorial 5K and 10K race, and so far 100 participants have signed up for the event.
There will be music, KB's BBQ, Marion fire crews with a truck and much more.Ìý
Walsh believes the race is a fun way for parents to talk about a serious issue.
"If you wait until your child is already driving, you've waited too late," she says. "These conversations need to be started in junior high if not earlier."Â
Profits from the event go toward student scholarships through the Kegan Johns Memorial and the Williamson County Traffic Days, which teaches teens driver safety.Ìý
"They get hands on in your face information," she explains about Traffic Safety Days put on by the Marion Police Department this year. "It is not sugar coated. These are things that can happen and could happen. There's no one protected. Bad things happen to good people."
This year, funds will also to the Marion Police Department's new K-9 Cares Community Therapy Dog program.Ìý
The race is taking place at the Harry Crisp Sports Complex on Sunday, March 6th. It will continue as normal rain or shine with the exception being hazardous weather that could jeopardize participant safety.
If necessary, March 20th will be backup date or there will be a virtual option if preferred.
To stay up to date on the race day follow the , and for ticket information .Ìý
