Run – Don’t Walk! Sign up for the 2016 United Airlines NYC Half on March 20th!

Interested in running the United Airlines NYC Half on March 20th, 2016, but didn’t get accepted through the lottery?  Don’t worry – we have bibs!  Guarantee your spot in the 2016 United Airlines NYC Half today by signing up to run with us today.

In order to commit to one of the ten charity spots that we have been offered for this year’s event, please visit our NYC Half Marathon page and follow the instructions provided.

We’ll need you to sign a commitment waiver and send it back to Kate Dochelli at kdochelli@lumindrds.org.  By signing this waiver, you are agreeing to raise the $1,000 fundraising minimum set forth by the NYRR for all official charity runners participating in the race.  Once we receive your signed waiver, we’ll add you to our list and you’ll be notified with instructions to register for the race. You will be responsible for covering your own registration fee. Please be advised that spots will be filled out on a first-come, first-served basis, so please do get your signed waiver back to us as soon as possible.

One last important piece of information: this year, we are pleased to announce that we are offering all of the NYC Half runners representing LuMind RDS the opportunity to take advantage of the NYRR’s Virtual Trainer program (at no cost to you).  The program is a fully customizable day-to-day training program that is specifically designed around each runners ability.  Virtual Trainer also will update and modify to each runners current performance within the 10 week period so that they will be training for their best possible performance.  Runners will also have access to a forum where they can post questions for NYRR’s coaches to answer. For more information about the NYRR Virtual Trainer program, visit the NYRR Virtual Trainer site and sign up for the “regular” training program.

If you are interested in using the Virtual Trainer program, please let Kate know no later than December 14^th!

Run – don’t walk – and sign up with us today!  What a great way to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day and raise money for vital Down syndrome cognition research.

We also invite you to pass this information along to anyone you know who may be interested in a spot for the race and wants to Race for the eXtraordinary!  

LuMind Research Down Syndrome Named an Official Charity Partner of the 2016 United Airlines NYC Half Set for Sunday, March 20, 2016

New York, November 17, 2015 — LuMind Research Down Syndrome Foundation was named an Official Charity Partner of the 2016 United Airlines NYC Half, it was announced today by Carolyn Cronin president and CEO of LuMind RDS. The race will take place on Sunday, March 20, 2016.

“The opportunity to partner with the United Airlines NYC Half gives LuMind Research Down Syndrome Foundation the ability to raise funds and awareness for valuable Down syndrome cognition research, including unraveling the connections between Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease,” said Cronin. “We look forward to having a dedicated team of runners take on the United Airlines NYC Half on behalf of our organization—training, preparing, and ultimately completing the 13.1-mile race for a cause that is both meaningful and close to each and every one of them.”

Over five million dollars was raised by more than 2,800 charity runners during the 2015 United Airlines NYC Half to help more than 100 nonprofit organizations support their missions and services. Approximately 120 official charity partners will be part of the 2016 United Airlines NYC Half.

LuMind RDS Runners will be running in the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon on 3/20/16.

LuMind RDS Runners is a vibrant community of dedicated parents, siblings, family members, and friends devoted to pushing physical limits in racing challenges to fund research on improving cognition in people with Down syndrome. The research they help to fund focuses on improving learning, memory, and sleep for people of all ages with Down syndrome enabling increased opportunities for independence at school and work. People with Down syndrome have an extra copy of the 21st chromosome, so LuMind RDS Runners “race for eXtraordinary,” especially during the month of March in honor of World Down Syndrome Day on March 21. LuMind RDS runners – and walkers will be participating in events all month with the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon as a capstone event.

“We welcome LuMind Research Down Syndrome Foundation as an official charity partner of the 2016 United Airlines NYC Half,” said Michael Capiraso, president and CEO of New York Road Runners. “We are privileged to partner with approximately 120 official charity partners for this event, impacting thousands in need of support for so many significant causes. Our charity runners are an inspirational and integral part of this race and we applaud their efforts and the positive impact they each make.”

The United Airlines NYC Half features some of the most talented American and international professional athlete fields and a vast range of competitive, recreational, and charity runners.  Some 1,500 volunteers and thousands of spectators line the course in support of all participants. 19,454 finishers completed the 2015 United Airlines NYC Half from nearly all of the 50 states and more than 67 countries. For the first time ever, the NYRR Times Square Kids’ Run at the United Airlines NYC Half gave hundreds of kids the opportunity to participate in a race of their own as they completed a 1500-meter out-and-back course through the heart of New York City.

The 2016 United Airlines NYC Half will be broadcast live locally on WABC-TV, Channel 7 for the fifth consecutive year. 

About New York Road Runners

Founded in 1958, New York Road Runners has grown from a local running club to the world’s premier community running organization, whose mission is to help and inspire people through running. NYRR’s commitment to New York City’s five boroughs features races, community events, youth running initiatives, school programs, and training resources that provide hundreds of thousands of people each year, from children to seniors, with the motivation, know-how, and opportunity to Run for Life. NYRR’s premier event, and the largest marathon in the world, is the TCS New York City Marathon. Held annually on the first Sunday in November, the race features 50,000 runners, from the world’s top professional athletes to a vast range of competitive, recreational, and charity runners. To learn more, visit www.nyrr.org.

About LuMind Research Down Syndrome Foundation

LuMind Research Down Syndrome Foundation, formerly the Down Syndrome Research and Treatment Foundation (DSRTF) and Research Down Syndrome, is a national non-profit organization headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts, aimed at accelerating the development of treatments to significantly improve cognition, including memory, learning and speech, for individuals with Down syndrome. LuMind RDS Foundation is the leading source of private funding supporting research at major research centers, including Johns Hopkins Medicine, Stanford University, University of California, San Diego, and University of Arizona. Since its founding in 2004, LuMind RDS Foundation has committed more than $13 million to fund results-driven research programs that will benefit children and adults with Down syndrome, and has been instrumental in the initiation of clinical trials now under way. To learn more: www.LuMindRDS.org.

Danke Schon and Tschüss to Dr. Bob

Dr. Robert Schoen

Dr. Robert Schoen, former president of Research Down Syndrome and LuMind Research Down Syndrome director of event and donor engagement, has retired from the organization. We are so grateful for Bob’s help and advice during the merger transition and join the thousands of RDS supporters – especially the vibrant community of Runners – in thanking Bob for his devotion, inspiration, and dedication to families with a loved one with Down syndrome.

Bob is looking forward to more time with his wonderful family and relaxing in the fabulous bier garten he created in his backyard, inspired by his years living in Germany. But we are certain he won’t forget his friends and fans at LuMind RDS!

Bob and his family, especially wife Sue (on Bob’s left), fully supported the mission to improve cognition for people with Down syndrome. Thank you Schoen family!

“Bob is a very bright, thoughtful, caring and passionate advocate for cognitive research to benefit the Down syndrome community. He has been tireless in his work on their behalf and will be greatly missed,” said Dan Flately, Vice Chairman on LuMind Research Down Syndrome and co-founder of Research Down Syndrome.

In addition to developing and nurturing a dedicated community of Runners through initiating and growing the RDS Runners program, Bob tapped into his scientific background to explain and educate the importance of Down syndrome cognition research. As anyone who attended one of his Research presentations, “Dr. Bob” had a gift for making technical information accessible to our audiences.

“We are tremendously grateful to Bob for his many contributions to LuMind Research Down Syndrome and all members of the Down syndrome community,” said Dr. Patricia White, co-founder of Research Down Syndrome. “Over the past decade, Bob has tirelessly and generously applied his scientific expertise, leadership experience, and warm personality to the advancement of Down syndrome cognitive research, making significant contributions to this cause and positively impacting the lives of countless individuals and families. Thank you, Bob!”

The Board and staff of LuMind Research Down Syndrome Foundation are so grateful for Bob’s commitment and his guidance during the merge of the two organizations, especially helping Kate Dochelli take over the reins of the Runners program.

“Bob was the catalyst behind the launching of the Runners Program during his tenure with RDS,” acknowledged LuMind RDS President and CEO, Carolyn Cronin. “His leadership, passion and commitment to the success of the fundraising program has and continues to heighten awareness and need to fund Ds cognition research.”

Dr. Schoen speaking at the 2014 Tribute 21 event in Washington, DC.

Bob remains a part of the community he help to create and nurture, attending fundraising events as a “VIP-for-life,” regularly posting about his runs on Facebook, and continuing to inspire and motivate people to Race for the Extraordinary.

We send Bob, Sue and their family our very best wishes and gratitude for years of impassioned devotion.

Alles gute, Dr. Bob.

LuMind RDS Runners Leyda and Chad Simon Profiled

Chad (wearing 31442) and Leyda (40770) are front and center for this photo from the Chicago Marathon on October 11, 2016. They are posing with their fellow LuMind RDS Runners at the pasta dinner the night before the race.

Chad Simon is a student at Fort Hays State University – and a long-time runner for the LuMind RDS Runners program. Chad runs along along with his wife Leyda in support of their daughter Ashylnn who has Ds.

Chad and Leyda were profiled in an article in the Fort Hays State University news outlining their commitment to the Runners program.

We are so proud to have Chad and Leyda on our team! Enjoy the article. 

#Race4eXtraordinary

Kate Dochelli Runs to LuMind RDS

We are happy to announce that Kate Dochelli has joined LuMind RDS to lead and grow the vibrant Runners program as well as coordinate special events for the organization. Kate has been a member of the RDS Runners program for several years and is poised to engage with runners since she is marathoner herself.

“I joined RDS Runners, now LuMind RDS Runners, two years ago. As soon I signed up for my first event, the Marine Corps Marathon, I received a call from Bob Schoen welcoming me to the community,” explained Kate. “It’s been such a great experience, learning about the research LuMind RDS funds as well as engaging with other runners around the country through the program.”

Kate’s introduction to the Runners program wasn’t without some bumps – literally. While Kate was training for the Marine Corps Marathon she was hit by a truck and suffered significant injuries that prevented her from competing in the event.

“Bob was in constant communication with my mom while I was in the hospital. We hadn’t even met in person yet and he was so concerned,” she said. That experience helped to solidify Kate’s warm feelings for the RDS Runners community, which have grown as she made friends from Texas to Minnesota.

A few weeks after the event while she was still recovering, Kate received an unexpected surprise. One day a shirt and letter arrived from the Marine Corps Marathon event organizers acknowledging all her hard fundraising and training efforts despite not being able to participate in the race.

“I learned that one of the Runners community members, Chad Simon, had arranged for a letter to be sent from the Marine Corps Marathon,” she explained. “It was such a nice, thoughtful gesture. It meant a lot to me during my recovery.”

Kate’s goal is to introduce new runners to this community and inspire and motivate existing runners whether they run 100 miles at a time or struggle to compete a fun run. She’ll also be motivating them to reach fundraising goals as they open opportunities for their loved one with Down syndrome.

“This community is so inspiring and so motivating. It’s a pleasure to be part of welcoming new runners and continuing to work and train with these amazing people,” she said.

The LuMind RDS Runners program welcomes people of all abilities who want to help raise funds for cognition research by competing in fun runs, road races, marathons, triathlons and relay races. “We say any race, any place, any date,” added Kate. “Just let us know your ideas and we’ll set you up with everything you need to prepare and fundraise.”

To learn more visit the LuMind RDS Runners page and request to join the LuMind RDS Runners Facebook group to join in the fun and raise money for Down syndrome cognition research!

#Race4eXtraordinary #Run4Ds

Get Down Syndrome Represented on the Cover of Runner’s World

The amazing Lara Font, a LuMind RDS Board member, is in the running to be a featured on the cover of Runner’s World. The contest is looking to showcase inspiration, passion and athleticism and this mom of four checks all the boxes. Lara began running competitively after her fourth child Parker was born. Parker has Down syndrome and Lara was inspired to join LuMind RDS Runner’s and fundraise so researchers could seek ways to improve cognition in people with Down syndrome.

Vote for Lara and get DS Represented! You can vote twice each day – right now Lara isn’t in the Top 20 – can the Down syndrome community get her 5000 votes in two days? Yes, we can – let’s go!

On Why She Runs: “Every runner has a story..it’s what I love about runners..learning what motivates them to run. I grew up as a competitive athlete, so I stay active. My inspiration is my 4th child, Parker. I run to raise funds for cognitive research for Down syndrome. After Parker was born, I needed an outlet, a place to process on things, relieve stress, and most importantly stay healthy. In the last 2 years, I’ve run over 24 half marathons, countless 5K, 10K’s and last year ran my first full marathon! More importantly we’ve raised over 55K for research!”

Her Most Significant Running Accomplishments: “I ran my first Marathon – Bank of America Chicago Marathon in 2014 and I Boston qualified! Looking forward to 2016 for Boston! We love Disney and run most of the Run Disney races. In May I received my first Disney Masters win for the 10K. But, I’m most proud of Parker’s first 1K race in March on World Down Syndrome Day – our entire family ran! Seeing Parker cross the finish hands raised high and his smiling face was priceless! It is good to be a Masters runner – I’ve had a quite a few placements and wins this year!”

How Running Changed Her Life and the Lives of Others: “Running reminds me how hard Parker works to accomplish things we all take for granted. He had open heart surgery 5 years ago and endures countless hours of therapy a week. He doesn’t ever give up. Running has inspired our other kids to get involved in charitable causes and help raise awareness for the need for cognitive research for Down syndrome. Running has allowed me to connect with families all over the US and bring awareness to the continued need for cognitive research for those living with Down syndrome. Running to fundraise brings necessary funds to research.”

But why does she really run? Meet Parker: