By Shereen Siewert

WESTON — Saturday, June 15 is the the ninth anniversary of the Forrest Goetsch Memorial Run, an event that raises money for a range of local causes through Forrest Goetsch Charities. Forrest Goetsch died in 2009 during a D.C. Everest High school cross country practice of sudden cardiac failure. He was just 14.

Forrest was born on Aug. 22, 1995, seven weeks before his due date. He spent more than a month in the neonatal ICU in Marshfield before coming home. He was also born with a rare facial deformity that led to numerous jaw surgeries.

But Forrest never let those challenges hold him back. He dreamed about the future, always striving for excellence and inspired everyone he touched in his life.

The impact Forrest had on his friends and family is hard to overstate. Despite his significant health problems, Forrest persevered and was widely known as a leader who motivated all who knew him.

Because Forrest had such a profound impact in his time on Earth, his family formed a nonprofit organization, Forrest Goetsch Charities, to honor his memory in a permanent fashion. The run draws hundreds of participates each year.
This year Forrest Goetsch Charities has committed $200,000.00 to the Aspirus “Give Healing a Home”campaign.  This housing project is to help those that are seeking medical care and need housing while they are hear receiving their care.
“This is a big commitment and fulfills a long term goal that Forrest Goetsch Charities board has had for a few years,” said Steve Goetsch, Forrest’s father.

Last year the race took on even greater meaning after Forrest’s mother, Paula Goetsch, died on New Year’s Day. Steve Goetsch was married to Paula for 26 years.

Part of the Forrest Goetsch Charities mission is to recognize organizations and individuals that help people through difficult times. In 2010, the organization established the Forrest Goetsch Memorial Scholarship, presented to a D.C. Everest student recognized for helping others. Later, the scholarship expanded to include Wausau West, Wausau East, Mosinee and Newman High Schools.

Organizations promoting outdoor youth activities and those that promote youth and families are also considered for financial support.

If you go

  • The event kicks off from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, June 14 with race registration and packet pickup along with a non-traditional fish boil at Dale’s Weston Lanes, 5902 Schofield Ave., Weston.
  • Race day is Saturday, June 15, with race-day registration and packet pickup from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.  The National Anthem plays at 8:55 a.m., with the race starting at 9 a.m.
  • Registration is $30.
  • After the race, stay for post-race refreshments for all participants followed by an award ceremony.
  • Dogs, iPods, in-line skates and bikes are not allowed on the course. Strollers are allowed but must start in the rear. For more information and to register, visit the Forrest’s Run official website.