Greenfield native acts on pledge to assist less fortunate

A lot of people talk about helping out others, but there’s a select few who actually back up that talk with a little walk.

Tammy Drudge goes above and beyond dropping spare change in a gas station collection jar or spending an extra few bucks buying chocolate bars from a boy scout.

After seeing some of her friend’s families and acquaintances struggle with crippling illnesses — one of her friends’ mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and is now a three-time survivor, another friend’s husband was beset with cystic fibrosis — Tammy decided to take action.

“I’ve seen what these people go through, people that aren’t necessarily afflicted, but live with (those afflicted). It just touched me,” said the Greenfield native and 1995 graduate of Greenfield-Central High School. “I really wanted to do something to help these people out, to do whatever I could.

“I did some research and found out there were some runs that you could do.”

So starting in 2007, Tammy began her preparation, walking at first and then working her way into jogging and running. Now, she trains six months out of the year and will run a total of six charity races this year.

She’s completed five 5Ks this year already for causes ranging from cancer to multiple sclerosis. Her last race is July 14 for the Make a Wish Foundation’s ‘Walk for Wishes’ at Fort Harrison State Park in Indianapolis.

Tammy, who works as a waitress and hostess at Montana Mike’s Steakhouse and Mozzi’s Pizza, accumulates the necessary funds by raising money through donations from family, friends and people that she’s waited on for years.

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