More than a decade ago, I lost the love of my life, Jim Hodge, to pulmonary fibrosis—a disease that scars the lungs and makes it harder for oxygen to reach the rest of the body. During that difficult time, our family was given an extraordinary gift: Jim’s life was extended because someone chose to become an organ donor. Jim poured his heart into this community—through his work with the Menominee Public School system and his service with many local organizations, including as President of the Bay Area Medical Center Board. In our grief, we wanted to honor Jim in a way that would keep his compassion and commitment to others alive. That hope became the Jim Hodge Memorial Run, and year after year, this community has continued to show up with incredible generosity.
This year—2026—marks the 14th Annual Jim Hodge Memorial Run. Over the past 13 years, together we’ve raised more than $192,000 to support local cardio-pulmonary rehabilitation patients and to raise awareness of organ donation. Thank you for being part of what makes this possible. Your support helps strengthen patient care in practical, life-changing ways—from helping our new hospital better serve our region to funding equipment such as oxygen monitors that connect with telemetry systems for real-time feedback and documentation.
Aurora Medical Center – Bay Area’s Cardio-Pulmonary Rehab Department walks alongside people recovering from heart attack, heart failure, transplant and more—and supports those living with chronic conditions such as COPD and pulmonary fibrosis. Through education, nutrition guidance, supervised exercise, and wellness resources (including smoking-cessation support), the team helps patients build strength, confidence, and healthier routines for the long term.
The run is coordinated through the Provident Health Foundation. Funds raised this year will be donated to the Aurora Health Care Foundation to continue supporting patients and services at Aurora Medical Center – Bay Area, with a focus on Cardio-Pulmonary Rehabilitation.
Sincerely,
Greta Hodge