‘200 Miles of Compassion’ Fundraiser Set to Help Sacramento Teen

Fresno Betsuin’s David Thull will run for Nathan Imura, Mama Bears Nonprofit

FYI:

To donate, either see the QR code on this page or go to the GoFundMe link at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/200-miles-of-compassion

For more information about Mama Bears Fighting Childhood Cancer, go to: https://www.mbfcc.org/

A Fresno Betsuin member’s idea to commemorate the Sacramento Betsuin’s 125th anniversary has turned into an upcoming 200-mile run to raise funds for 13-year-old Nathan Imura and the nonprofit organization supporting him in his fight against leukemia.

David Thull, a Fresno Betsuin member and ultramarathoner, will embark on a run from Nov. 20-22, starting at the Fresno Betsuin Buddhist Temple and ending at the Buddhist Church of Sacramento. (The Sacramento Betsuin’s 125th anniversary banquet and celebration will be held Nov. 23 and Thull is planning to attend the event.)

The GoFundMe fundraiser is called “200 Miles of Compassion for Nathan Imura and Mama Bears Fighting Childhood Cancer.” As of Oct. 30, more than $11,700 had been raised toward the goal of $25,000.

"It's super cool and crazy how far David can run,” said Nathan in a statement relayed by his father, Aaron Imura. “The support from the Sacramento Betsuin Sangha has been awesome because it is encouraging me to never give up even when things get hard. Seeing the support from David, the Sangha, and the community gives me the strength to keep up the fight."  

Thull, who has been training in preparation for the 200-mile run, said he welcomes “pacers” and anyone willing to run, walk or ride alongside him. 

“The hardest stretch will be the first 100 miles,” he said. “Don’t ask me how I’m doing — just tell me jokes or stories, anything that keeps me going mentally.”

After reaching Modesto, Thull will be visiting temples in BCA’s Northern California District — the Buddhist Church of Stockton, Buddhist Church of Lodi, Walnut Grove Buddhist Church and the Buddhist Church of Florin — and Fleet Feet stores. 

Thull initially raised the idea of running from Fresno to Sacramento to commemorate the Sacramento Betsuin’s 125th anniversary. 

The temple’s 125th Anniversary Committee decided it wanted to raise funds for a cause and selected the Imura family as the beneficiary of the fundraiser and asked the family to select a charitable organization as the co-beneficiary of the fundraiser, according to Brian Koichi Mizushima and Sandy Kataoka-Fong, team members of the fundraising drive.

The Imura family chose Mama Bears Fighting Childhood Cancer, a nonprofit organization supporting Northern California families with children up to 21 years old who are currently undergoing treatment for childhood cancer. 

“Nathan's mom and I are still amazed at the level of physical conditioning David must go through to meet this challenge,” Aaron Imura said. “We feel David’s 200-mile run will be a symbol of Nathan's cancer journey. There are many ups and downs, mental challenges, possible setbacks, precautions to take, the need for outside support, and a goal to cross the finish line. Both journeys remind us to live in the present and take things one step at a time.  Each mile is its own celebration of overcoming a challenge and each day Nate fights this battle is a day that is won.” 

The Imura family is one of the multigenerational, longstanding members of the Buddhist Church of Sacramento. Nathan is the eldest son of Doreen and Aaron Imura and the grandson of Roy and the late Georgette Imura.

Nathan has been active in Cub Scout Pack 50, Troop 50B, the Dharma School, and the temple’s basketball league. He was diagnosed with leukemia on Feb. 17.

Aaron Imura is a bone marrow match, but the road to recovery for Nathan will be long. 

Nathan received a Hospital Survival Wagon from Mama Bears Fighting Childhood Cancer during a hospital stay at UCSF Children’s Benioff Hospital. The items included in the wagon are essential items to care for a child during hospital stays, clinic visits, and for care at home.

Examples of items in the wagon the Imura family received include: mattress topper for the parents and caregivers; mini refrigerator for storing snacks and drinks; Roku; soundbar; tote bag; cooler; notebook; and toiletries.

Every single dollar raised for Thull’s run will be equally distributed to Nathan and Mama Bears Fighting Childhood Cancer. 

Aaron Imura issued the following statement about Nathan.

“Although we would never wish any parent to experience a child with a serious health condition, there is a silver lining manifesting around every corner of Nathan's journey whether big or small, all have kept us going as much as we are doing for one another,” he said. “We are humbled by acts of kindness, compassion, connections within the community we've made, friendships that have blossomed, and family bonds that have become stronger all because of this.”