Racing in PTC Classic is a promise for local family

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Racing in PTC Classic is a promise for local family

There is probably no greater fear for a parent than to see their child suffer from a disease that is life threatening. Such was the case for David and Sherri Jett of Newnan when their then 12-year-old son Derek was diagnosed with T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma in the 4th stage in February of 2003. Derek was not about to accept his fate lying down, however. He underwent a rigorous regimen of chemotherapy that lasted over a year. The treatment seemed to be working, but it took its toll nonetheless. Derek was forced to give up playing soccer for the Peachtree City Lazers, he began to lose his hair, and after a year was feeling lethargic and frankly, a little depressed.

In mid-June of that year, Derek was hospitalized at Egleston Children's Hospital with a severe infection. In an effort to boost his son's spirits, on the 1st of July, David promised Derek he would run the Peachtree 10K the next year and get him a coveted T-shirt. With Derek as his inspiration, Dad made good on his promise and Derek in turn decided he would do the same for his Dad the following year. Derek, now 14 and in remission, along with his older brother David and his father began to train so that he could keep his promise. Although he was still on chemotherapy, he ran the Peachtree in 68 minutes and gave his Peachtree T-shirt to his Dad in gratitude for his support throughout his chemo treatment.

What began as a father's efforts to motivate his son