Our History
In Memory of Walter A. Rhulen
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R4 HISTORY - TIMELINE
1993 Founded in 1993 by Suzy Rhulen Loughlin and a team of dedicated volunteers, the R4 first benefitted the American Heart Association. 1998 In 1998, Suzy's father, Walter A. Rhulen, 66, a dedicated runner, local humanitarian and founder of Frontier Insurance was diagnosed with Pro Lymphocytic Leukemia. He died after a 5 month illness. The battle to cure leukemia became a personal one for Suzy and her family. Her father's death inspired the R4 alliance with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in 1998. In 2011, Suzy's father-in-law, 'Papa John Loughlin' passed away, also having battled blood cancer- chronic lymphocytic leukemia. From 1998 - 2013, the R4 raised funds for LLS as well as for individual patients battling blood cancer in the region. Each year one recipient was chosen as the 'R4 Patient Fund' Beneficiary and the monies raised through raffle sales were set aside for the use of this individual, until the funds were depleted. 2013 Suzy's world dramatically changed on July 4, 2013 when her son, Trevor Loughlin, 21, died in a boating related accident. After this tragedy, the Rhulen Rock Hill Run & Ramble Inc. changed its name to the Trevor Loughlin Foundation, Inc. (a 501c3 corporation) and the foundation changed its approach to issuing grants to patients, with the goal of serving more people. 2022 Remaining true to its goal of eradicating blood cancer, the Trevor Loughlin Foundation continues to host the R4 and the monies raised benefit LLS, TLF and other local charities. On June 18, 2022 we celebrated the 30th Anniversary of the Rhulen Rock Hill Run & Ramble 5K. TLF issues grants throughout the year to patients battling blood cancer and other acute catastrophic illnesses. Since 1993, we have donated over $1,500,000 to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Trevor Loughlin Foundation, American Heart Association, and local charities. Since 2013, the Trevor Loughlin Foundation has issued 114 patient grants to help with the financial challenges that accompany a catastrophic illness, like blood, brain, bladder, breast, colon, lung, and rectal cancer, to name a few. We’ve also added 700 heroes to the international bone marrow bank. Trevor was a dedicated R4 volunteer and showed compassion and empathy to his fellow man- at a level beyond his years. In his name, TLF remains energized to continue to make a difference to patients and their families. |
Myriam Loor, Race Director, Celebrate Life Half Marathon Race Director, and first R4 Patient Fund Beneficiary.
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