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  • Rachel's Story
  • 2021 Run Photos
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5K Scrub Run
Home
About
  • Rachel's Story
  • 2021 Run Photos
  • The Charity
Sponsors
Tributes
Blog
Contact Us
More
  • Home
  • About
    • Rachel's Story
    • 2021 Run Photos
    • The Charity
  • Sponsors
  • Tributes
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Home
  • About
    • Rachel's Story
    • 2021 Run Photos
    • The Charity
  • Sponsors
  • Tributes
  • Blog
  • Contact Us

The Charity

Get Involved

About The Run for Rachel

On the 10th of September 2022, the community will be gathering to participate in the 2nd annual 5K Scrub Run – Run for Rachel. This annual race will raise funds to support a scholarship for future nursing and health care students.  This event has been established in memory of Rachel Petersen, the 25-year-old daughter of DeKalb residents, Bill and Karyn Petersen. Rachel, a graduate of DeKalb High School and a nursing graduate of Valparaiso University, passed away nine days after being diagnosed with a deadly brain tumor. Rachel was a compassionate nurse, doing what she loved, when she fell ill. Rachel was also an avid participant in fun runs - with an emphasis on FUN! The annual race event will take place at Hopkins Park in DeKalb.  All monies raised will contribute to the Rachel E Petersen Memorial Scholarship fund, an educational scholarship fund for a nursing student. The annual scholarship has an expected 10-year goal of a semester worth of tuition being awarded. 

Scholarships

DeKalb High School – Senior Award

A minimum of a $250 annual scholarship will be awarded to a worthy and deserving graduating senior of DeKalb High School who is pursuing a future in healthcare. It is an honor to offer the Rachel E Petersen Memorial Scholarship to a student who plans to make a difference in the world. Rachel, class of 2013, was an involved student who was a scholar, athlete, musician, and civic leader and longed to make a lasting impact. She was known to say she felt the responsibility to leave a club, sports team or organization better for future members. This scholarship will help continue her pay it forward attitude. 

Valparaiso University College of Nursing

A minimum of a $5,000 annual scholarship will be awarded to an undergraduate nursing student at Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Indiana. Rachel, BSN class of 2017, found a home at Valpo. Her desire to spread her wings and fly were well served during her four years of education, exploration and growth. She found a home at Valpo – not only as a student, but as a leader. Her involvement in the university, from being a member of the track team, to a Resident Assistant, to a sorority sister to Chi Omega, to singing with the AcaBellas, to working mission trips all while obtaining an amazing education fulfilled her goals of being a well rounded college student. 

It is our desire to offer a $5,000 scholarship each year, with a goal of being able to award a full semester of tuition within ten years. Rachel would have wanted to help a future nurse offset educational debt and by offering this scholarship, we are excited to help chip away a bit of the expense. 

Scholarship Recipients

DHS Scholarship Recipient Angelina T, DHS Class of 2021.  Angelina plans on attending the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she will be working towards her degree in nursing. 


"This award is very special to me because I looked up to Rachel as an inspiration. She was always so kind and selfless, and the stories she told me about her nursing experience made me want to become one even more. I j

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