by: Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy
Saturday, April 6 marked the 10th Annual Unionville Run For Our Sons 5K – a local DIY Race event hosted by the Johnson family benefiting Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) and our fight to end Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne). To date, the Johnsons have raised over $500,000 with nearly 48,000 runners joining the race to end Duchenne over the last decade.
“In 2007, Elliott (15) and Henry (12) were diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The day we received that diagnosis is forever emblazoned in our minds. We were devastated and overwhelmed, desperate to do anything to help our sons. That is when we found PPMD. They were there for us from the very beginning and continue to be there for families across the country as they try to navigate this exceedingly complex disease,” says Joanna Johnson, Spanish teacher at Unionville High School, PPMD Board Member, and mom of Elliott and Henry. “With the help of our amazing community and the hundreds of runners who join us each year, we have raised close to $500,000 to help support Duchenne research that will one day treat, not just Elliott and Henry, but all those living with this devastating disease.”
More than just a 5K, this wonderful event includes door prizes, raffles, awards for top runners, Family Fun Day games, face painting, and refreshments. Unionville High School students volunteer to help out, making this truly a community event.
“The Johnsons have been part of the PPMD family since their sons were diagnosed and we have loved getting to know their family over the years. Everyone navigates a Duchenne diagnosis differently. For the Johnsons, it meant raising money to help find a cure and doing whatever they could to help fight this disease. We are so grateful to the Johnsons and their friends who make the Unionville Run For Our Sons 5K such a wonderful annual event. Because of the passion, energy, and dedication of this community, we are confident that we will end Duchenne,” said Pat Furlong, Founding President & CEO of PPMD.
JOIN THE FUN
It’s not too late to join the fun! Contribute to the 10th Annual Unionville Run For Our Sons 5K fundraising effort by visiting their website.
CREATE YOUR YOU OWN DIY RACE EVENT
You too can join the fight to end Duchenne! Reach out to the PPMD team so we can help you create your personalized DIY Race event for your community!
