Colleyville family to host race for grieving parents

When Jaina Shah, a junior at Grapevine High School, heard Camp Sol would not be hosting its annual fund raising race and fun run, she thought maybe her family could do it.

“It’s really important to me,” the Colleyville teen said. “The charity is so amazing, it really does help families.”

After speaking with her family, the family of runners decided to host the Heart & Sol 5K/1 mile fun run on May 16 at Meadowmere Park in Grapevine.

The event benefits Dallas-based Camp Sol, a non-profit organization that aids families through the loss of a child. Camp Sol uses money gained from the event to help pay the way for families to attend a bi-annual retreat.

The family decided to host Camp Sol’s sole fundraiser after they found out the organization did have the means to do so.

Lisa Grove, Camp Sol executive director, said the organization, which runs off volunteer man power, did not have the staff to host the run this year.

“We’re so thankful the Shahs came forward and said they would be able to host it for us,” Grove said. “I could not believe she [Jaina] would be willing to do this for us.”

While family members have participated in races, this is the first time any of them have been on the organizing side.

Each of the four family members, Jaina, her mother and father and younger brother each have their own roles.

Jaina’s mother Maitry Shah said the community has been very supportive when they hear about the cause.

Urmesh Shah, Jaina’s father, said the experience so far has highlighted the impact of working toward a good cause.

“With the right cause, good things do happen,” he said.

Those interested can register online at heartsol.athlete360.com.

This story was originally published April 7, 2015 at 9:57 AM with the headline "Colleyville family to host race for grieving parents."