Life sometimes seems to be filled with uphill battles that people endure.  Many times, you endure them yourself or at the very least, know of others that are enduring struggles.

Such is the case with Brett Dorton as he discovered a college friend's son was recently diagnosed with anaplastic ependymoma, a type of malignant tumor mostly found in young patients.  This struck a nerve in Brett and inspired him to action for his friend and their family.

Keith Ingram Dismuke, II (Ingram) is approaching four years old, and is battling anaplastic ependymoma.  In April of 2012, this family was unexpectedly tossed into a storm of life.  Ingram's dad, Craig, recounts that gripping day on the Team Ingram blogsite known as Ingram the Conqueror.

Ingram got the nickname from his dad because he loved to conquer towers of blocks.  His nickname now takes on a whole new meaning in his battle of anaplastic ependymoma. 

Captured by the significance of this life changing event, Brett renewed his passion for St. Jude's and the contribution they make to young lives.  

"Several years ago I ran the St. Jude Half-Marathon in Memphis," commented Dorton.  "I was inspired by the St. Jude Heroes that were running the race in an effort to raise money for the hospital and the children that are being treated there."

Dorton was moved to a point that he increased his training and entered the Chicago Marathon the following year as a St. Jude Hero.  He noted that "running that race for St. Jude's was an unforgettable experience."

With his running shoes placed in his closet, Brett felt that a 3 month break would be appropriate to regain his strength and recover from the grueling marathon training schedule.  That was 3 years ago and finding his way back to the running trail has not been easy.  The combination of his own family and his demanding work schedule at First Commercial Bank, Brett has searched for the inspiration to get back to a training schedule.

"In April, I found out that my college friend, Craig Dismuke, had received the news about Ingram's illness."  noted Dorton.  "It gave me purpose to train, to run and to raise funds for St. Judes."

Ingram's tumor in his brain was successfully removed in surgery, and now Ingram Dismuke is a patient at St. Jude in Memphis.  Team Ingram has set a goal of raising $100,000 for St. Jude's this year.  You will find additional information on here for Team Ingram.

Ingram's sister, Madison Dismuke provides an incredible overview of the reasons why St. Jude's is worthy of support.

Brett has taken a portion of the Team Ingram goal to assist the Dismuke Family.  It's a passion and an inspiration that needs the help of our community.  Please visit Brett's St. Jude Hero Site to make your donation today.

"Cancer is the Great Equalizer.  It does not care if you are male or female, old or young, or American or Chinese.  Cancer doesn't care how wealthy you are or what type of health insurance you have," noted Brett. 

The financial burden that is connected to these times is overwhelming.  Thanks to donors like you, no family ever pays St. Jude for the life saving treatments that are performed on their child.  Donations to St. Jude continue to improve the treatment of childhood cancer and other deadly diseases through its groundbreaking research.

Inspired sacrifice and caring are keys that continue to make St. Jude's the incredible resource it is, not only to the Ingram Family but to other families in our area. 

Consider what your role will be to help St. Jude's this year.  You may choose to participate in the St. Jude's Marathon by joining Brett and others to run or walk the half Marathon in Memphis.  You may simply plan to attend to show your support, to catch your own inspiration, and encourage others that are participating.  You may simply wish to make a donation in support of Brett and other participants (Brett's St. Jude Hero Site).  However, do something to encourage this great work.

The staff at the ShowMe Times offers it's prayers, appreciation and encouragement over all areas of the St. Jude's Research Hospital.