Jersey Tough – 24-Hour Relay Run For Research

LuMind Research Down Syndrome thanks the 24-Hour Relay Run for Research organizers Lisa Arnoa and Matt MacDougall, and all the runners, walkers and sponsors who participated in this non-stop fundraiser held in Denville, New Jersey July 25-26, 2015.

The Second Annual 24-Hour Relay Run for Research is a team event, in which each team member takes a turn running one mile around a one-mile loop. Upon completing the mile, that team member passes a baton to the next runner. The run continues as such…. for 24 hours in a row! Teams traversed the oval beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday through 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, raising $8000 along the way! THANK YOU!

As Bob Schoen, LuMind RDS Director of Donor and Event Engagement, wrote to the team, “I always hear ‘JERSEY TOUGH.’ You guys are all that, and full of ‘JERSEY LOVE’ to boot.”

During the 24 hour period, 28 runners accumulated 220 miles, which were sponsored by individual donors and businesses. What a great support for LuMind RDS, our Runners program, and Down syndrome cognition research!

Lisa, whose son Sal who has Down syndrome, thanked the participants and sponsors appreciating their support, “A new journey began for me the day Sal was born and I am so thankful to all you for joining me in making a difference in the lives of those with DS.”

Matt also thanked everyone for their help, participation, and support and wanted to recognize one individual in particular, Steve O’Hanlon.

“Steve had truly dedicated himself to our cause from the first day we informed him that we were beginning this annual tradition,” wrote Matt. “With no thought of reward or return, Steve jumped right in and donated his time, his money, his materials, his knowledge, and his compassion…he has truly given to us in a way not many other people can, and he should be commended. You don’t find people like Steve that much anymore, so when you have friend and colleague like him, it’s important that we thank him and credit him for the great work he has done!” We agree – THANK YOU STEVE!

The generosity of the 24 Hour Relay Race for Research community now and in the past is key in the remarkable progress of this most incredible medical initiative: funding research to develop therapies to assist learning and memory and speech, and offset the potential impact of Alzheimer’s disease, in people with Down syndrome. In just a very short period, progress has led to three ongoing clinical trials and a fourth soon to be initiated. Your efforts have helped to make this happen.

“Thank you Matt and Lisa,” said Bob. “When I first met you, I knew we had supporters for life. Between running events and the 24 Hour Relay, you are proving me right!” Matt and Lisa were among our first LuMind RDS runners and have supported fundraising for cognition research with half marathons and other running events.

We can’t say enough how much we appreciate the dedication and creative fundraising of our supporters. Matt and Lisa have the support of their “Jersey Love” community and we are so happy to include them in our LuMind RDS family.

Thanks to the efforts of Lisa, Matt, Steve and all the other Relay Run for Research participants, Sal and others with Down syndrome will have a future of greater independence and enhanced life opportunities.