5k for Kati a huge success

By Michael Farnworth

For the Journal

POCATELLO— The looming rain clouds couldn't dampen the spirit of the crowd on Saturday morning as volunteers, runners, walkers, and their dogs showed up at Ammon Park in Pocatello for the "5k for Kati" run/walk. As the clock moved closer to the noon hour, the sun broke through the rain clouds, as if the well wishers had used that positive atmosphere to push those clouds out of the way, all in the name of Kati Lindsey.

Lindsey, 23, was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Stage 4 on Feb. 15, and underwent surgery on Feb. 23 to try to remove the tumor from her brain. Doctors were able to remove only 75 percent of the tumor, and Lindsey is currently undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy for the remaining 25 percent.

Kortney Brower, 16, attends Century High School, and took time out of her Saturday to volunteer with the event.

"I've known Kati for such a long time, (6 years)" Brower said. "She is such an inspiration to me, she's my hero. We met through Job's Daughters, and for me there was no question about doing this for her."

Job's Daughters is a worldwide organization that helps to teach young ladies "the values of leadership, organization, teamwork and self-reliance." according to their website. Kati has been involved with the Idaho Job's Daughters Organization for about ten years, and served as the Grand Bethel Honored Queen, and Idaho Bethel 57 Honored Queen in 2005-2006.

Sara Minic was the Miss Idaho Job's Daughter during the same time period and the two traveled the state together.

"We met through Job's Daughters while we were traveling together, "Minic said, "We became friends, and have been close ever since."

Not only did Kati's friends show up, but perfect strangers came out in support of this much loved young woman.

Kristen Jones works with a neighbor of Lindsey, and was told the story from the neighbor.

"When I heard the story, I thought it would be a great thing to come out and support," Jones said, "We (The participants), just wanted Kati to know that everyone is pulling for her." This was Jones's first time running a 5k.

When all was said and done, over 300 participants had taken part in the race, including Steve Stuart who is in the same church ward with Kati.

"I had a brother pass away 6 years ago from the exact same cancer that Kati has," Stuart said, "We (Stuart and his wife) wanted to support kati, and just let her know that we are praying that she can get through this."

The run made it's way from Ammon Park and up to Jessie Ave. where it passed Roger Lindsey's home, and as the participants passed by the home, Kati sat in the driveway, a smile on her face the whole time

"The Turn out was great," Roger Lindsey said, "Kati thought it was phenomenal to see all of her friends and supporters as they went by the house. She had a very nice day."

Lindsey also wanted to put out a special thanks to all those that came out and supported them, "It was wonderful, truly wonderful."

The "5k for Kati" was a success, and though it is now over, anyone who would still like to help out by donating, can do so by sending their donation to "5k for Kati" 1331 Jane St. Pocatello, ID 83201.