The 13th Annual Huntington’s Disease Research Walk and Run will be held on Aug. 26 at Lake Zorinsky Park, 156th & F streets.
Participants can choose to run the four-mile hard surface course or walk with the option of going any of four distances – 1, 2, 3 or 4-miles. Registration will take place between 8 and 8:45 a.m. The run begins at 9 a.m. with the walk starting at 9:05 a.m.
Water and refreshments will be provided. The festive event, which will be held rain or shine, includes music, door prizes, raffle and a bouncy castle for children. T-shirts will be given to the first 250 participants. Awards will be given to the top three male and female runners.
Proceeds will go to the Huntington’s Disease Research and Education Fund at the University of Nebraska Foundation. Those people unable to participate in the event but wanting to make a donation to support HD research and education can make a donation by clicking here.
Diego Torres-Russotto, M.D., assistant professor, neurological sciences, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center said currently Nebraskans with HD who wish to participate in research or in clinical trials of new promising drugs have to travel to other states.
“We anticipate that our inclusion to the national Huntington Study Group will bring relevant trials to our region,” Dr. Torres-Russotto said. “The University of Nebraska Foundation HD Fund supports these and other important initiatives to help HD patients and their families.”
Huntington’s disease is a genetic neurological disorder characterized by abnormal body movements and a lack of coordination. It also affects a number of mental abilities and some aspects of behavior.
In 1993, the gene causing HD was found. It was one of the first inherited genetic disorders for which an accurate test could be performed.
Because of this, and the disorder having aspects applicable to other neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, it has been extensively researched since then. The gene causing the disorder is dominant and may, therefore, be inherited from a single parent.
There is currently no proven cure, so symptoms are managed with a range of medications and supportive services.
Cost to participate in the Huntington’s Disease Research Walk and Run is $25. To register, download and complete the registration form and send a tax deductible check or money order payable to HDFUND. Send to HD FUND Run, 15701 Madison Circle, Omaha, NE 68135. Registrations can be taken up to the day of the event. For more information, contact Mike DeBolt, 402-980-0554, or Theresa Langer, 402-896-3491.
For more information on Huntington’s disease, go to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America website.
Dr. Torres-Russotto said UNMC is holding an HD symposium on Nov. 16 for patients and families. More than 200 people are expected to attend the symposium, which will feature a multidisciplinary team of speakers including neurologists, psychiatrists and therapists.
Through world-class research and patient care, UNMC generates breakthroughs that make life better for people throughout Nebraska and beyond. Its education programs train more health professionals than any other institution in the state. Learn more at unmc.edu.