“How far would you go for someone you love?” That’s the question posed to readers on the Jesse’s Journey homepage. Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a progressive genetic muscular system disease that gradually weakens the body’s muscles. Jesses’ Journey is the only organization in Canada raising money to solely fund the research to cure Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
So, when the VanAsseldonk’s youngest son Isaac was diagnosed with Duchenne’s in 2017 the family started on their own journey and they’ve brought Acton and Halton along for the ride.
Maybe you’ve heard of Isaac’s Trek for Treats? It’s an annual fundraiser hosted, in Acton, by the family the last Saturday before Halloween. The kids’ costume trail race and silent auction raises money for Jesse’s Journey. In fact, it has raised over $40,000 in the last three years.
This year Meg, Isaac’s mom, decided to add running 70K for Isaac’s 7th birthday, Isaac’s Birthday Trek, to fundraise for the charity. But COVID-19 and the world had other plans and that effort was thwarted. Along comes the Acton Challenge of Endurance.
The what? A local runner has organized a 24-hour challenge where runners will participate by running once every four hours. Runners chose their distance 2.5km/5km/10km which they will run starting May 29 at 8 pm, 12 am, 4 am…., you get the picture, for a total of 15km/30km/60km. Social distance is stated in the rules and there are no set routes.
Meg will be running 12km every four hours in order to reach her 70km goal. Her oldest son, Luke, will be joining her for 2.5km. Both are running to help find a cure.
“We are so grateful to the amazing Acton community for their continuous support of Isaac’s Trek for Treats” said Meg.
If you would like to support Meg and Luke on May 29 or would like to join the adventure and fundraise, please go to http://fgct.convio.net/site/TR?fr_id=1250&pg=entry.
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