Run for STARS benefits Wheaton disability ministry

Ultimately, the STARS Disability Ministry is about supporting families.

By design, the community ministry based at College Church in Wheaton offers activities for intellectually disabled children and adults, combined with scholarships for the STARS participants to attend camp.

The activities aim to enrich the lives of participants with Christian teaching and social relationships.

But beyond providing opportunities for the participants, the activities give their parents a much-needed rest from the physical, mental and emotional demands of caregiving. It’s the kind of time that can rejuvenate a parent, a couple, a family.

Many participants in the STARS ministry, an acronym for Seeking To Always Reflect the Savior, are adults whose parents may be aging and facing health concerns of their own.

The ministry established STARS Family Services with the goal of helping such families by providing services and housing for intellectually disabled adults. The organization next month will open Washington House in Wheaton, welcoming four men into a group assisted-living home.

Such needs are far off for the Lyon family of Wheaton. Peter Lyon, who has cerebral palsy and other special needs, is still a boy who delights and inspires his parents, Cathryn and David. Peter takes part in STARS activities, and his parents see his growing sense of self — as a person and as a person of faith.

David will race in the Run for the STARS 5K on Saturday, June 11, and Peter will take part, too. He’ll ride in a stroller David pushes, inspiring his dad and other runners along the route.

Today, Cathryn Lyon tells us more about what the STARS Disability Ministry means to her family.

“but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

(Isaiah 40: 31, New International Version)

These words from the Old Testament Book of Isaiah in the Bible give me great courage and hope as I think about our family’s journey with disability. The picture of my husband, David, and our son, Peter, taken at last year’s Run for the STARS, practically shouts this message of faith and hope, and it makes me smile.

Peter has cerebral palsy and other special needs. Parenting a child with special needs is an overwhelming task, and like other parents of children with special needs, we find ourselves physically and emotionally spent at the end of most days!

Yet Peter inspires us to persevere. Despite his own hardships, Peter works hard to overcome daily challenges and adversities. Peter’s name means “rock” and he is all that. He is my hero.

We are thankful to have talented, caring doctors, teachers, therapists and caregivers to help Peter and us on this journey. We are especially thankful to also have a supportive church home for our family. The STARS Disability Ministry at College Church in Wheaton, through many volunteers, provides a variety of programming and support for individuals with disabilities as well as for their families.

For us, the STARS Disability Ministry allows Peter and our family to participate in our church in a meaningful, redemptive way. Volunteers teach Peter about God’s great love for him, and they share the good news of Jesus Christ with him in ways that are accessible and meaningful. Peter is developing an identity and place in our community of faith as he participates in a variety of church and STARS programs with support.

Tragically, many families affected by disability don’t finish well. Practical and spiritual support is critical for individuals and families affected by disability. The STARS Disability Ministry strives to help meet some of these needs locally.

Proceeds from the Run for the STARS are used to help provide opportunities for recreation and respite through camp and family retreat scholarships. Race proceeds also have been used to provide job training and coaching at the STARS Resale Shop in Wheaton. It’s a great reason to run!

To show our support for the STARS Disability Ministry, our family decided to participate in the Run for the STARS last year. Will you join us this year? The eighth annual Run for the STARS race begins at 8 a.m. Saturday, June 11. Whether you are an elite runner, or one who walks with great heart, we would love to see you there!

To find out more about the race, to register online, or to make a donation, please visit runforthestars.com.

If you would like to learn more about the STARS Disability Ministry at College Church in Wheaton, please check out college-church.org/disability/.

If you go

What: Run for the STARS

Why: Proceeds support the STARS Ministry, which provides recreation and training for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and respite for their care givers

When: 8 a.m. Saturday, June 11; check-in is 6 to 7:40 a.m.

Where: The Commons, 332 E. Seminary Ave., Wheaton

Cost: $26 in advance, $29 on race day

Info: runforthestars.com