The 9th annual Cream City 5K was held on Saturday, April 27, and was a great success. The annual event was founded by double-lung recipient and Versiti Organ and Tissue volunteer, Jesse Pagels. Jesse founded the non-profit Cream City 5K in 2016 as he was an avid runner and trumpet player, until he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in 2003. Each year, the event not only donates its proceeds to Versiti, but it also brings awareness to the gifts of life that organ donors and families provided to Jesse and other patients in need. Jesse took great pride in growing this event over the years to thousands of participants, volunteers, and spectators. We wanted to share that Jesse passed away on Monday, April 29, and showed his deep commitment to his cause as he still attended the event.
All are invited to Jesse’s memorial service:
When:
Saturday, June 15th, 2024:
- 10 am – 11 am Public Visitation
- 11 am – 12:30 pm Memorial Service
- 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm Reception
*Please wear your favorite pair of tennis shoes in honor of Jesse.
Where:
UW Milwaukee Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts
2419 E Kenwood Blvd, Milwaukee, WI 53211