My brothers and I created Running4JRZ in 2018 to honor our father. Our father, Joseph R. Zajac, lost his life after 3 separate open heart surgeries, 2 of which were in the summer of 2018. Dad was a truly unforgettable person. His kindness was pervasive throughout his character, as demonstrated by his career choice to practice medicine. Our father loved being a doctor?he relishedin helping people and being someone others could turn to when they were unsure of their situation. This was something not only on display in his professional life, but in his personal life as well. As he was to so many others in the world, he was our rock.

Beyond kindness, our father had a lust for experience few exude; perhaps that is why his passing is all the more difficult to bear. A dear friend wrote a note to our family after Dad passed away that encapsulates him better than I ever could, I would like to share the ending with you, "In everything, he nurtures, he advises, he perfects. He radiates a love of life and a youthful excitement for each new experience that is contagious." That was Dad.

We made this team for him. There is something about a group of people coming together for the sake of community and betterment that is distinctly Joe Zajac-ish?we know our Dad would love this team and all who chose to join it.