In October 2017, I ran the Staten Island Half Marathon with a successful fundraiser of $645 to benefit Prader-Willi Syndrome. Being off mark by $355 from my goal hasn't sat well with me. Therefore this year, being that we are in May which is Prader-Willi Syndrome awareness month. I decided to continue my journey with collecting charitable donations as I run the Popular Brooklyn Half.
Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a genetic disorder where there is an anomaly to DNA. Due to the disruption of the proper genetic code, individuals with PWS have a much more difficult time learning, controlling their behavior and appetite to name a few. As infants, they are born hypotonic and labeled with "failure to thrive" by most in the medical profession. As adults, many don't go beyond high school due to learning difficulties. As elders, their medical issues are 2x to 3x times worse than the average person. I am just providing a short laundry list through layman's terms. There is a lot more that only PWS families and those close to the families can truly comprehend. Although progress had been made substantially to help improve the lives of PWS love ones, it is still not enough due to constant need of funding for research needs, conferences and providing information/knowledge to new parents daily.
I am just your average PWS parent trying to contribute in a small way to make a deep impact. Daily we all spend $5, $10, $15 or $20 - breakfast, lunch, dinner, Happy Hour, transit, etc. - yet many of us can't see the value of being selfless to charity. I ask with an open heart, if any of you can eat one less meal for the day, one less drink for the night and one less ride over the weekend to help a cause which will provide the greatest gratitude by those who you had contributed your Washington, Hamilton, Jackson or even Franklin for the annual tax deduction in return. I humbly thank you for your support.
