By Beth Alston

AMERICUS — It’s time again for the annual Shamrock Jog & Jam, sponsored by Accelerated Physical Therapy in Americus. This is the ninth year of the event, proceeds of which benefit the Scott Law Foundation.
Scott Law, a local firefighter, died in January 2007, after losing his battle with a malignant brain tumor. The Americus community rallied around him during his time of need and helped him financially as he fought for life.
Tracy Law, Scott Law’s brother, and Alex Saratsiotis, owners of Accelerated Physical Therapy, founded the Scott Law Foundation, not only to honor Scott Law, but to help area people who are suffering with life-threatening illnesses and dealing with the financial toll that can bring.
“The mission of The Scott Law Foundation is to provide direct financial assistance to Sumter and surrounding county residents suffering from cancer or other medical ailments,” Tracy Law said. “The Scott Law Foundation is committed to fulfilling the special financial needs of these patients and their families in order the make the fight for survival an easier one.”
Since the start of the Shamrock Jog & Jam, 129 recipients have been helped with monetary donations totaling nearly $95,000. “That’s money that went directly to the patients, money that helped pay a bill, helped provide transportation to and from treatment or helped a patient just do something special for themselves that may have given them a brief instance of forgetting about the trials and struggles for a while,” Saratsiotis said. “Without your support, we could not provide this assistance and we thank you for your generous support.”
Runners from all over the state have already registered, according to Tracy Law, and can still register until Wednesday. Entrance fees are $15/Fun Run and $20/5K up until then, and $20/Fun Run and $25/5K after.
The Shamrock Jog & Jam starts at Rylander Park in downtown Americus, and includes a 1-Mile Fun Run and a 5K road race. Registration starts at 4 p.m. in the park with the Fun Run starting at 6 p.m. followed by the 5K at 6:30 p.m. An awards ceremony follows the race in the park.
There are three levels of sponsorship available. Supporters, at $100; Friends, at $500; and Angels, at the $1,000 level. For more information call Tracy Law at 229-924-9595 or Fred Richmond at 229-942-2767.