Fresno Betsuin’s David Thull Raises $44K for Sacramento’s Nathan Imura, Mama Bears Nonprofit
FYI
To view David Thull’s arrival at the Buddhist Church of Sacramento, go to:
To donate, either see the QR code with this article 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/
Fresno Betsuin ultramarathoner David Thull completed a 200-mile run from Fresno to Sacramento on Nov. 23, an inspirational effort that raised over $44,000 for a 13-year-old Sacramento Betsuin member fighting leukemia.
Thull’s journey, which began Nov. 20, encountered setbacks, including the chilly and rainy bomb cyclone that drenched Northern California. And he had to forgo his initial plans to visit Northern California BCA temples in Florin, Lodi, Stockton and Walnut Grove.
But Thull persevered and kept his eyes on the goal — the finish line at the Buddhist Church of Sacramento.
His long-distance run also benefited Mama Bears Fighting Childhood Cancer, the Northern California nonprofit supporting the Imura family. The GoFundMe drive was officially called “200 Miles of Compassion.” The Sacramento Betsuin will keep the GoFundMe campaign open through January.
As Thull crossed the finish line at 2 p.m. on Nov. 23, he was greeted by the Imura family, Sacramento Betsuin Sangha members, friends and an official from Mama Bears Fighting Childhood Cancer.
Minutes after crossing the finish line, Roy Imura — Nathan’s grandfather — reached out to Thull to shake his hand before the two men embraced for several seconds.
Asked how he felt after completing his long run, Thull said taking breaks at night really helped. He said the entire run ended up taking more time than he had anticipated.
“But that’s not what it’s about — it was about helping Nathan and his family,” he told the crowd of well-wishers at the Sacramento Betsuin. “That’s, to me, what we talk about every time we come to the temple. It’s about trying to be a better person and it’s community, the Sangha. The more we can do that in everyday life, the better everyone’s life would be.”
Nathan, who was beaming with his family members, stood next to Thull and said: “From Fresno to Sacramento — that’s crazy. It’s unbelievable.”
Thull said it was “really neat to see how many people who weren’t even temple members donated and how many people took interest.” He credited his wife, Alisha, and friends who supported him along his journey.
Nathan’s father, Aaron Imura, then introduced Amanda Kimble from Mama Bears Fighting Childhood Cancer. She thanked all those who donated and supported Thull and the fundraiser.
“I think what David did is really emblematic of the journey that the family is on,” Kimble said. “It’s not always easy to train for this and what you need is community to surround you and support you and love you. Nathan, your little brother, mom, dad, grandpa, as long as you’re all here in it together, it’s what will bring you through this.
“You’re going to go on and do great things and we will all really enjoy watching you become a man,” Kimble told Nathan.
Thull initially raised the idea of running from Fresno to Sacramento to commemorate the Sacramento Betsuin’s 125th anniversary. (Later that same night on Nov. 23, Thull and his wife attended the Sacramento Betsuin’s 125th anniversary banquet.)
The temple’s 125th Anniversary Committee decided to raise funds for a cause and chose the Imura family and asked the family to select a charitable organization as the co-beneficiary of the fundraiser.
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.
Brian Koichi Mizushima, Sandy Kataoka-Fong, Karen Adachi and Bobby Tanaka were among the Sacramento Betsuin members to join Thull, his wife, and others as “pacers” who ran, walked or rode alongside Thull on his journey.
While the plan was to make stops at various Northern California temples, the inclement weather was a factor in Thull’s decision to continue straight to Sacramento after reaching his first stop at the Modesto Fleet Feet.
The Sacramento Betsuin would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the Florin, Lodi, Stockton and Walnut Grove temples. The Sangha members at the temples provided unwavering support for Thull, lifting his spirits.
Half of the funds raised will help the Imura family cover medical expenses and other services needed for Nathan’s road to recovery.
Nathan received a Hospital Survival Wagon from Mama Bears Fighting Childhood Cancer during a hospital stay at UC Davis Children’s 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.
As a result of Thull’s run, Mama Bears Fighting Childhood Cancer will be able to purchase 15 to 20 care wagons for future families in need of support with its half of the donations.
“This milestone is a testament to what can be achieved when compassion, teamwork and community come together,” the Sacramento Betsuin said in a statement on the GoFundMe fundraiser. “Thank you to everyone who donated, cheered and believed in this mission. Together, we made a difference!”
The Sacramento Betsuin held an official check presentation service on Nov. 26 in the Hondo to both the Imura family and to Monica Padilla of Mama Bears Fighting Childhood Cancer.
Nathan was admitted to UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in San Francisco on Nov. 29 and received stem cells on Dec. 12 for the bone marrow transplant, according to Aaron Imura, who is the stem cell donor. Instead of extracting the bone marrow from Aaron Imura, the stem cells will regenerate the bone marrow within Nathan.
Dec. 12 is now called Nathan’s “Rebirthday,” the day he received stem cells for the bone marrow transplant. He will now have his actual birthday and a birthday for his blood, Aaron Imura said.
Nathan’s recovery in the hospital will take an additional eight weeks and, if all goes well, will be followed by a close stay near the hospital for another four months, according to Aaron Imura.
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