Milo trail ride to raise funds for St. Jude's

The 15th Annual Saddle Up Trail Ride for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital will be held on May 15, in Milo, Mo. The volunteer coordinator for this event is Kelly LaPreze, who encourages everyone to participate.

By participating in or attending the event, participants will help raise funds for children of the world who are stricken with diseases like cancer, AIDS and Sickle Cell Anemia. These funds will help St. Jude in its ongoing fight against childhood cancer and other catastrophic diseases, a press release states.

"Our goal in holding this event is to help the children of the world who are stricken with diseases like cancer, AIDS and sickle cell disease," said LaPreze, coordinator of the event. "St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is a world leader in the fight against these diseases, and they have made great progress because of people who participate in and donate to events like this."

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas, and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world.

No family ever pays for treatments not covered by insurance, and families without insurance are never asked to pay. St. Jude Children's Research Center is financially supported by ALSAC, its fundraising organization.

For more information, visit www.stjude.org.

The ride will begin at 10 a.m. Negative Coggins tests are required on all horses. A $15 donation for all riders also is requested. Additional prizes will be awarded based on the amount of money a participant raises.

Dinner will be provided following the ride for all who participate.

Lunch may be purchased on site. For everyone's safety, no alcoholic beverages are permitted on the ride.

To take part in the ride or to make a contribution, contact LaPreze at (417) 684-0357.