As you all know, my mom suffers Primary Progressive Aphasia. This disease is rare enough that I have never met anyone else who has it, or even anyone who has heard of it prior to knowing her. So I was really excited to hear about a fundraiser raising money for PPA research. Jason from Run4papa.com has been training to run the Great Wall of China marathon, and has been holding 5K runs all around Charlotte to raise money and awareness for PPA, in honor of his Papa. He has a goal of raising $50,000 and he is almost there.
I knew right away that our whole family needed to go to one of his runs. I told my parents about it and they were immediately just as excited as me. We were able to go to one tonight, in uptown Charlotte. It was good to meet Jason and see his enthusiasm. The younger kids were pretty tired and grumpy so we only managed about a mile, but it felt good to do something about this disease that has made us all feel so helpless. I also found out that Gabe is a total runner – that kid was zooming down the sidewalks of Charlotte. He made me really proud.
There is only one run left – it is at the Whitewater Center. If you looking for a nice, outdoorsy family activity, please consider going in honor of my mom. If you can’t make it and you have a few dollars to spare, please donate to Jason’s fundraiser. I would love you forever. You know I am willing to grovel for my mom!!!
For more information and to make a donation, visit Run4papa.com! Keep up the good work, Jason!
For more about my mom’s struggle with PPA, click here.
Updated: There are some awesome pictures of our family on Jason’s facebook page and his website. Check them out and see how close he is getting to $50,000!
