My good friend Sonia runs for a few reasons – because she’s healthy enough to do so, for her patients and, most importantly, for her fiancé, Matt. And, they’ll both be running, along with hundreds of others, at this year’s Desmoid Dash.
Sonia + Matt running the 2015 Desmoid Dash.
So, what is the Desmoid Dash? It’s a 5k run and walk that benefits the Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation, which funds research to find a cure for desmoid tumors. Desmoid tumors are rare – only about 900 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with one each year – and it’s unknown what causes them. They start from cells called fibroblasts, which are found throughout our bodies and and provide structural support and protection to vital organs like the heart, kidneys and intestines. They can also occur anywhere in the body and be aggressive or slow growing, but they can’t metastasize.
Several years ago Matt was diagnosed with a desmoid tumor. After two major abdominal surgeries, he underwent two years of chemotherapy, followed by another major abdominal surgery. Complications from the third surgery kept him in the hospital for nearly 60 days, and when he was finally able to leave the hospital, Matt could barely walk.
Today, Matt’s thriving – and, he even ran the TC 10 Mile with all the friends who were there for him when he was sick. He started the Desmoid Dash in 2013 to raise awareness of desmoid tumors, and now in its fourth year, the dash continues to inspire hope and spread the word about this rare tumor.
Are you around MPLSTP on Saturday, October 1? If so, here are three reasons you should run the Desmoid Dash that day:
1 – Because it benefits a fantastic cause, the Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation (DTRF).
2 – Because there’s no better way to start your Saturday than with a 5k through beautiful Rogers Park and around Rogers Lake. Bring your friends, too, because running is always better with friends!
3 – Because there will be prizes, food and music – and, it’s tons of fun for families!
The details
Location: St. Thomas Academy Student Activities Center // 949 Mendota Heights Road, Mendota Heights
Date: Saturday, October 1
Time: 9a
Distance: 5k run + walk
Cost: $25 for adults, $15 for children (day-of registration is $30 for adults).
Register today! Online registration closes at 11p on September 28.
Find more info on the Facebook invite.
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