OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 will host its 8th annual 5K Live Forward & Run/Walk to Remember.
The race brings family and friends together who have lost loved ones in traffic accidents, to remember and celebrate those lives lost.
The Troupe family will be participating in the race, they lost their son, Paul, 4 years ago.
"A witness to the accident said he saw what was happening, [and said] you know this is not going to be good," Doug Troupe said.
A semi crashed into Paul and his wife in 2014. Paul died instantly.
The couple had only been married for 6 months.
"People have to slow down ," Doug said. You have to pay attention ... you have to drive."
Now, the Troupes work with Keep Kids Alive Drive 25.
For more than 20 years, the organization has helped families of those killed in crashes.
Keep Kids Alive creator Tom Everson says, "it gives them a chance to honor their loved ones but also to connect with each other because in that sense it helps to form and build a community of people who have been through tragic experiences."
Everson says the race can offer a sense of comfort for families.
"Ask the person next to you why they're here, let them tell their story because story is everything," he said.
Everson tells us, that's because no one wants their loved one to be forgotten.
"The Troupes have brought great deal of good into this world in Paul's honor," he said.
The Troupes say that's what they hope to continue doing, while also advocating for safe driving everywhere.
"It can be so simple," Sherri Troupe said. Just put away your phone, pay attention to the road, and whatever that message is ... you can't do anything about it sitting in your car anyway."
The race is set for May 11th at Skutt High School, you can find more information at https://www.keepkidsalivedrive25.org/blog/2018/14/run-to-remember-omaha
