Happy Smackah 5K will benefit Mead High School freshman Beckett Reiff
Mar. 9—Since 2011, the Happy Smackah 5K fun run has benefited students and faculty of the St. Vrain Valley School District seeking support through an accident or illness. This year, that tradition continues through 15-year-old Beckett Reiff — a Mead High School freshman and the 2023 "Happy Smackah."
In December, Reiff was diagnosed with type A influenza, pneumonia and a blood infection at UCHealth Longs Peak Hospital. For weeks, Reiff wasn't expected to live as the conditions of his kidneys and liver worsened. After undergoing a below-knee amputation on his right leg and sustaining damage to his left eye from the infection, Reiff was released from the hospital on Jan. 24.
At home, Reiff is taking online classes, which he said are going well, and is excited to receive his prosthetic in a few weeks. He said it was "awesome" to hear he was this year's recipient of the fundraiser.
"I've heard of all the people who have been Happy Smackahs before, and they all have pretty inspiring stories," he said. "It's just amazing that I got chosen."
When Reiff celebrated his birthday in the hospital, he was greeted by friends bringing a wagon full of gifts. Mead High School also honored him the day he returned home, with a gym full of students cheering for him at his halftime appearance during a basketball game.
His mom, Julie, said the community's support has meant the world to their family.
"There's really no words for it," she said. "It means a lot to us that our community recognizes Beckett and his story and what we've been going through."
Karen Clancy-Cribby, whose husband was the first Happy Smackah, said the organization receives anywhere from three to 10 people nominated by the community each year.
"There's always somebody in need, no matter where you are," she said. "People want to be able to help people."
Clancy-Cribby had Beckett Reiff in her English class at Westview Middle School for three years. She explained that a "happy smackah" is someone who is "filled with the joy of life" — just like Reiff. She said it was hard watching a former student go through something so challenging, but remembered thinking that if anyone could push through his ordeal, it was him.
"From day one, that kid did not know the meaning of 'can't do,'" she said. "He's the most determined person, and he's well-minded about it."
The Happy Smackah 5K will take place May 13 with a course around Longmont's McIntosh Lake. Like previous years, a virtual option will also be available for people who want to join independently or in small groups, and all funds raised will benefit the Reiff family. Beckett Reiff, who is on the wrestling and football teams at Mead HS, is hoping to run in it.
To register, visit bit.ly/42c7Smu.
