News

May 02, 2023

Mason family continues to spread love through tragedy, hosts 5K in son's memory

The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. JJ Day was

The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox.

JJ Day was an entertainer, a jokester and a source of laughter for his parents and two sisters.

At just 9-years-old, the Mason third grader knew how to brighten up a room.

"He was just about love. He could walk into a room, and you knew he was in the room. He would love to be the center of attention, but he also loved to make you the center of his attention," said JJ's mother, Kristen Day.

Following JJ's unexpected death in January 2021, the Day family created the LOVElikeJJ Foundation. Their mission is to make a positive impact in the lives of local children.

"We wanted it to be something that would grow. We wanted it to be something that would continue year after year," Kristen Day said.

Saturday, they are hosting the third annual LOVElikeJJ 5K. Money raised will benefit the Family Promise of Warren County and a play area at one of the shelters.

"They're going to be kids there. So, what do kids need? They need somewhere to play. So, we are going to install playground for the children there," Kristen Day said.

To top it all off, the foundation managed to score a Cincinnati fan favorite to host the event, Evan McPherson of the Cincinnati Bengals.

"We're kind of Evan McPherson fans in this house, so we reached out to Crossroads, and they connected us, and they were kind enough to say yes," Kristen Day said.

Like in past years. The Day's said the event should be about fun and community but also a chance to remember a little boy who touched so many people with his big heart.

"People still remember J. They still love him. They still want to celebrate him. So to us, that means a whole lot," Kristen Day said. "We are spreading his wings and his love."

The race kicks off at 8:30 Saturday morning at Corwin Nixon Park in Mason. People can still register at the event starting at 7 a.m.

For people who would like to support the LOVElikeJJ Foundation and can't make it to the run, they can donate here:

https://runsignup.com/Race/Donate/OH/Mason/LOVElikeJJ5K?fbclid=IwAR2ZelbaMsHN0Db0AuOB56-s-PfB4vQaAe-96OcDY9c6yGfrxU809G_vOlM_aem_th_AZRJvp_1xV-T2xABWRb1wPrpth1JGunnGHjl2xULfx48sPNBPoiwB7bpPcNeSp7gbYzZLbwRGuCqPGo4VKK_meiB