Hearts and Soles for PMD: 2023 Run, Walk or Roll Recap
Event organizers had full confidence in the PMD Warrior teams when they increased this year’s Run, Walk or Roll fundraising goal from $50,000 to $75,000, up from $50,000 in 2022.
PMD Warrior Teams crossed the finish line with $56,201 raised from sponsorships, registrations, donations, and t-shirt sales.
While participation decreased this year, participants gave heart and “sole” for the fundraising event. 15 Warrior Teams were involved and more than 400 generous supporters took part in the event during Leukodystrophy Awareness month.
In addition to U.S. teams from across the country, international participants joined from Switzerland, Austria, and Brazil in a mix of virtual and in-person events.
Team Michael (Pennellville, NY) and Team Jaden (Mexico, NY) joined forces again this year for a combined in-person event.
Additional highlights from this year’s events include:
Thirteen teams returned from 2022: Teams Brant (Watson, LA), Michael (Pennellville, NY), Ana (Grantham, NH), JuDo (Tampa, FL), Valentin (Vienna, Austria), Camden (Gilbert, AZ), Jaden (Mexico, NY), James (Milton, VT), Tommy (Massillon, OH), Zayce (Lafitte, LA), Candia (Brazil), Luke (Centreville, MD), and Noah (Chandler, AZ).
Two sets of siblings participated: Julian and Dominic from Team JuDo (Tampa, FL) and Alex and Igor from Team Candia (Brazil).
Eight PMD Foundation board members spearheaded teams for their kids: Teams Ana, Brant, River, Zayce, Jaden, Valentin, James, and Camden.
Rounding out the 15 Warrior Team roster were Teams Clark (Dekalb, IL) and River (Blue Springs, MO).
Every contribution made to this event honors someone who has been affected by PMD. This year, we asked our team’s, ‘why?’. Here’s why:
Team Ana: “I’m participating to find a cure.”
Team Brant: “To raise awareness and help fund research efforts to hopefully, one day, find a cure for PMD.”
Team Camden: “I’m participating to help fund research to treat PMD.”
Team Candia: “Because together, we are stronger!”
Team Jaden: “When you have an ultra rare disease like PMD, if the families and friends don’t make an effort to find a treatment or a cure, no one will fight to help those affected. Future families will not have a chance to beat this disease.”
Team James: “I am participating to help fund the push on research as hard as we can!”
Team JuDo: “To raise more awareness of PMD and to raise funds for the continued research into a hopeful cure of the disease.”
Team Luke: “It is important for us to raise money for research to hopefully find a cure for PMD one day.”
Team Michael: “I am participating to share Michael’s smile!”
Team River: “To raise awareness for a disease that is not very well known and help raise funds to help efforts & find a cure.”
Team Tommy: “I’m participating to be involved with the PMD Foundation.”
Team Zayce: “To spread awareness and raise money to support future research and possible treatments.”
Funds raised throughout the event goes toward the PMD Foundation’s work on education, research, service, and advocacy for those affected by Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease.
The annual Run, Walk, or Roll also spotlights Leukodystrophy Awareness Month and raises awareness of Leukodystrophy diseases.
So, what is in store for the 2024 Run, Walk or Roll? The PMD Foundation plans to have an even bigger event with more Warriors, sponsors, participants, countries, and fun!
Thank you to the 2023 sponsors for their generous support.
