Photo Courtesy of Harvesting Hope.
Are you and the family looking for something meaningful to do this Thanksgiving? Join Northeast Denver’s first annual Thanksgiving Day Race and help fight childhood obesity. Harvesting Hope 5K run will take place in Central Park at 10:15am. Proceeds from the race will go to aid in finding a cure for Prader- Willi Syndrome, a cause that is near and dear to two Central Park moms.
Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a chromosomal disorder that is attributed to being the most common genetic cause of life-threatening childhood obesity. This syndrome has two major phases in early life. When the children are infants they have little muscle tone and often require to be fed with a feeding tube. As the child grows, they have an unregulated appetite which leads to weight gain. Those affected by PWS lack typical cues of being hungry and deciphering when they are full, rather their bodies think they are constantly hungry. Julie shared that the syndrome “is going to manifest in a spectrum of ways across multiple systems.”
Julie and Rachael, Central Park residents, each have a child diagnosed with PWS. Rachael shared, “Thanksgiving is a scary time of year,” given that it is a holiday known for people over-indulging themselves. That is where she found inspiration in bringing Harvesting Hope to Central Park. Julie added, “It is an opportunity to be helpful yet come together as a community to do something for a great cause.”
Money raised from the race will go to the Foundation for Prader-Willi Research, an organization whose goal is to find a way to eliminate the challenges of PWS, which includes treatments for the overwhelming hunger experienced by those affected by the syndrome. Julie shared that this organization was chosen because, “we desire to find treatment… [Treatment] is so close it’s feasible. It will be game changing.” As mothers to young children with PWS, they are hopeful that a treatment will be found. Rachael said that treatment, “could impact millions. It will have broader implications,” than only on those suffering from PWS. Once a treatment is found, it can be applied to other issues like autism, obesity in general, Type 2 diabetes, and so much more.
The Harvesting Hope 5K is receiving growing support from the community- giving residents an opportunity to be active on Thanksgiving. Rachael shared that “Over 340 people have registered [for the race] from eight different states. In years to come, it will get even bigger.” When asked why they chose Central Park to host this race, they both said that the choice was easy. Julie stated, “Central Park is invested in community. Our children are going to grow up here.”
Bring the family out to enjoy community activities for everyone that supports a great cause! Families of four or more get 15% off of their registration. Kids under 10 years of age are welcome to run a 1K for free.
