Community Corner
Former Marine Sergeant and Family to Run 10k to Fight Parkinson’s Disease on Sunday, October 27
Sean Wright of Kennesaw, GA, is rallying the troops to fight Parkinson’s disease. The former Marine Sergeant inspired eight family members to run the Marine Corps Marathon 10k with him on Sunday, October 27 in Washington, DC, to raise money for the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation (PDF).
Mr. Wright, who currently serves in the Navy reserves, is running in honor of his stepfather, Gary Chard of Wilmington, DE, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2008 at the age of 56. Mr. Wright ran 26.2 miles with PDF’s team in the Marine Corps Marathon last year, raising more than $5,000 for Parkinson’s research. The rest of the family, including Mr. Chard, was inspired to lace up their own sneakers for the cause this year after cheering him from the sidelines.
“Having a family member affected by this disease is my driving force to do whatever I can to help raise money and awareness for Parkinson’s,” says Mr. Wright.
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Working with the PDF Champions program, the grassroots fundraising arm of the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, Mr. Wright and his family hope to reach their $10,000 fundraising goal by race day. The family plans to don coordinated team shirts and colorful socks. Mr. Wright will run the 10k with his 11-year-old daughter, wife, brother and three sisters, brother-in-law and stepfather Gary.
Mr. Chard adds, “We’re trying to show that we’re a united front against Parkinson’s. As a person living with Parkinson’s disease, I have the strong support of my wife and family standing beside me.”
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To support Mr. Wright and his family’s fundraising efforts, visit their personal fundraising page at http://support.pdf.org/TeamChard10K. For more information or to join PDF’s marathon team, contact PDF at (800) 457-6676, info@pdf.org or www.pdf.org.
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 disease by funding promising scientific research while supporting people living with Parkinson's disease through educational programs and services. Since its founding in 1957, PDF has dedicated $100 million to fund the work of leading scientists throughout the world and $42 million to support education and advocacy programs.