AVI BioPharma is teaming up with Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD)'s endurance program, Run For Our Sons, to participate in the Rock 'n' Roll Seattle Marathon & Half Marathon on June 23, 2012. The goal is to raise money and awareness to help end Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne), the most common form of muscular dystrophy.
AVI and PPMD have a long history of working together to develop treatments that may help to prolong the lives of those living with Duchenne.
"PPMD has always been grateful to the dedication AVI has shown to the Duchenne community as they continue to work on treatments that will help our sons live longer, stronger lives," said Pat Furlong, PPMD's President & Founder. "Now they are taking that dedication a step further by lacing up their running shoes and pounding the streets of Seattle to help raise awareness and end Duchenne."
Participating alongside the AVI team are 20 other runners, including Conrad Reynoldson, a 25-year-old man living with Duchenne. Conrad is the only person to have participated in the Rock 'n' Roll Seattle Marathon & Half Marathon in a power wheelchair, and 2012 will mark his second year competing in the race.
"I am always looking for new and innovative ways to raise awareness and funds for PPMD as well as the broader disability community," said Conrad. "Last year when I heard that no one in a power chair had ever participated in this race, I realized this was a perfect opportunity."
The Run For Our Sons team fundraising goal for the Rock 'n' Roll Seattle Marathon & Half Marathon is $25,000.
"Perhaps over time Run For Our Sons can become Run With Our Sons as more of us adults and young men with Duchenne take charge of our futures," said Conrad.
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