17-Year-Old Runs Historic Journey for Truckers' Health

Cross Country Run for Trucking Hailed by the Secretary of Transportation as a "true American hero," Jasmine Jordan becomes the youngest person to run across the continental United States. But what caught the attention of the White House? This high school junior undertook the 3,200 miles on foot in order to raise awareness for the St. Christopher Truckers Development and Relief Fund (SCF). The now-17 year old girl, known as "Jazzy" set out from Los Angeles in September 2009 and crosses the finish line today in New York City in front of ABC Studios in Times Square, having been welcomed with great fanfare at many locations along the way.

Trials endured by the teenager on this long trek included foot injuries, intense heat, freezing rain, shin splints, and a car collision. Not only will she complete the journey, but she has even kept up with her schoolwork along the way. She does it all because of a friend who died of cancer without health insurance. Jazzy's parents own a small trucking business in Dalton, Minn. When an employee of the company, Sheila Grothe, was diagnosed with ultimately-fatal cancer, the grief-stricken teenager found the SCF, a 501(C)(3), not-for-profit organization that provides financial assistance to professional truck drivers with medical problems who cannot otherwise afford healthcare, as well as conducting health research to benefit professional drivers and the trucking industry. "I heard that Sheila wasn't able to afford some of the treatments for her cancer, and it didn't seem right," said Jazzy. "All my life I've heard that 'America moves by truck,' and I just thought someone should tell people about how independent truck drivers have a hard time with health insurance and how the St. Christopher Fund helps. Then maybe the fund could have more money available for people like Sheila. Since I'm a runner, I tried to think of something to do with running."

She has enjoyed support throughout the trucking industry for her undertaking. Her father put his business on hold to join her on the cross-country run. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), a sponsor of the SCF, accompanied Jazzy on her run into Washington D.C. The White House Secretary of Transportation has even called her a hero. Secretary Ray LaHood praised the girl's positive outlook and wished her a strong finish, calling her "a terrific kid and huge asset to the St. Christopher Fund." "I don't think of the hard stuff when I'm out there," Jazzy says. "I think of the good moments, like running into West Memphis, Arkansas, where two fire trucks made an archway of extended ladders and the sidewalks were lined with elementary school students who then joined me on the road. That one brought me to tears. Good tears."