The Heart of Our Mission
In Honor of Joseph
Every mile we run and every ruck we carry honors the life of Joseph B. Cross — a man whose kindness, determination, and joy inspired everyone who knew him. This is who we fight for.
Joseph Benjamin Cross
A Life of Determination & Joy
Joseph "Joe" Benjamin Cross was born on September 21, 1978 in Columbia, SC. Born with CHARGE syndrome, Joe faced challenges throughout his life — but he turned every mountain into a anthill. His disability never defined him; instead, it shaped him into a person of extraordinary kindness and determination.
Joe achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, attended a LIFE program in Massachusetts, and even spent time at UAB. He returned to Columbia where he worked, lived independently, and thrived socially. He was active in Seven Oaks Therapeutic Recreation, Carolina Actors with Special Talents (CAST), and Special Olympics basketball and golf.
Joe passed on May 4, 2019, leaving behind a legacy of love and compassion. The Joseph B. Cross Foundation continues his legacy by improving the lives of adults with special needs — and this ruck is our way of carrying that mission forward.
Read Joseph's Full Story
Joseph "Joe" Benjamin Cross · 1978–2019
Our Mission
Sponsor 100 Athletes
Joe loved Special Olympics. In his honor, we're raising $5,000 to sponsor 100 participants in the Special Olympics South Carolina State Fall Games — giving athletes the same joy and sense of accomplishment that Joe found on the court and the golf course.
The Event
2026 State Fall Games in Myrtle Beach, SC — Oct 30 to Nov 1. Featuring bowling, bocce, disc golf, golf, flag football, soccer, and volleyball.
The Goal
$5,000 to sponsor 100 Special Olympics athletes. Every dollar goes through the Joseph B. Cross Foundation to support athletes with special needs.
The Legacy
Joe participated in Special Olympics basketball and golf. Your donation ensures other athletes can experience the same joy he felt competing.
Fundraising Progress
Help Us Reach 100 Athletes
$4,075
Raised
of $5,000 goal
81
Athletes Sponsored
of 100 target
82%
Progress
of goal reached
82% Complete · ~$50 sponsors one athlete
Carry Joe's Legacy
Your donation to the Joseph B. Cross Foundation sponsors Special Olympics athletes in Joe's memory. Every $50 sponsors one athlete's participation in the State Fall Games. Help us reach 100.
Donate to the Joseph B. Cross Foundation