Former Pioche Elementary student Maddy Wright recently had surgery to remove a tumor near her brain.
Lincoln County High School students are putting on a new event to help their former elementary school classmate.
Maddy Wright and her family lived in Pioche for about four years. Her siblings went to Lincoln County High School while she attended Pioche Elementary. The family later moved to Cedar City, Utah, where Maddy was involved in an ATV accident and was knocked unconscious. At the hospital, the doctors ran a variety of tests and discovered a golf ball size tumor located next to her brain stem.
On Feb. 26, Maddy had surgery and the doctors removed 80 percent of the tumor. Though not cancerous, the surgeons left the remaining portion because of its precarious location near Maddy’s brain stem. Maddy will most likely have treatment and check-ups the rest of her life to monitor the status of the tumor.
To help cover the medical bills, students in the Accounting/Entrepreneurship class at LCHS are putting on a new event, the “Most Wanted Fun Run” at the high school on May 11 at 4 p.m.
The students say the fun run is based on an actual historical event that happened here in Lincoln County.
The story goes like this: In 1874, George Lambert, alias The Flying Dutchman, escaped from the Pioche jail, dressed all in black.
The Sheriff of Lincoln County placed an ad in the local newspaper offering a reward and asked for everybody’s help in capturing the “Man in Black” – just like students are asking for the community’s help today.
So, for the Most Wanted Fun Run, everybody will be chasing the “Man in Black” for Maddy, re-enacting this historical chase.
The run will start at Court Rock. Participants will chase the Man in Black from Court Rock to the Rodeo Grounds – a distance of around 2 miles – where they will capture the Man in Black, be doused in sky blue powder (Maddy’s favorite color), and be deputized with their very own badge.
Individuals and families are invited to join in the chase. Youth are $8 pre-register and $10 at the day of the race. Adults (18+) are $16 pre-register and $20 day of the race. Families (2 Adults/2 Youth) are $39.
Those who can’t make the race can donate as a “Phantom Runner.” Any size donation is welcome. If you would like to donate and also receive a Commemorative T-shirt, you can donate $20 or more, plus $5 for shipping/handling.
More details, a link to the registration form, and to a GoFundMe page for the event are available at http://lincolncountynevada.com/event/most-wanted-fun-run/.
Questions can be directed to Todd Packard at the high school, 775-728-4481.
