Former Marine Sergeant Sean Wright of Kennesaw, GA, is on the run to fund Parkinson’s research. He is traveling to Washington, DC to run the Marine Corps Marathon on Sunday, October 28 to raise money for the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation (PDF) in honor of his stepfather who lives with the disease.

Mr. Wright is a former Marine Sergeant who is currently serving in the Navy reserves. His stepfather Gary Chard, once an avid runner himself, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s four years ago. Mr. Wright says he was inspired by his stepfather’s determination and research advocacy efforts with PDF to take on his first full marathon to help raise money for a cure.  

Mr. Wright remarks, “To have a family member suffering with this disease makes me more than willing to step up for this challenge. With a disease that doesn’t have a cure, obviously raising funds for research is important. By running this marathon, I’m contributing to the research effort so that one day hopefully there will be a cure.”

Working with the PDF Champions program (the organization’s program to generate awareness and fundraising at the grassroots level), Mr. Wright hopes to exceed his $5,000 fundraising goal as he trains for the 37th annual Marine Corps Marathon. The course runs from Northern Virginia through the nation’s capitol. Mr. Wright joins five other runners who will run the marathon as part of PDF’s team.

PDF Executive Director Robin Elliott said, “We admire the efforts of Mr. Wright and his fellow PDF Champion marathoners who are endeavoring to improve the lives and futures of those touched by Parkinson’s. By running a marathon, he is not only raising awareness about the impact of the disease, but funding the most promising research to help reach the finish line for a cure.”

To support Mr. Wright’s fundraising efforts, visit his personal fundraising page at https://support.pdf.org/SeanWright. For more information contact PDF at (800) 457-6676, info@pdf.org or visit http://www.pdf.org/en/marathon.

About Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects nearly one million people in the US.  Although promising research is being conducted, there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s.

About the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation

The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation (PDF) is a leading national presence in Parkinson’s disease research, education and public advocacy. We are working for the nearly one million people in the US who live with Parkinson’s by funding promising scientific research while supporting people living with Parkinson’s through educational programs and services. Since its founding in 1957, PDF has dedicated over $96 million to fund the work of leading scientists throughout the world and over $40 million to support national education and advocacy programs.