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.

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

Run for Research: Chicago Marathon

Lottery registration for the Oct. 11 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, one of the world’s premier running events, ends on Tuesday, April 21. 

LuMind Research Down Syndrome has charity entries. More than 40,000 participants run from Grant Park, through the Loop, Old Town, Wrigleyville, Lincoln Park, through Little Italy, Chinatown, and Bronzeville, before ending up again in Grant Park. It is a flat course, cheering crowds line every mile, and the post race dining/partying opportunities and atmosphere are second to none.

Join us today!

Don’t take any chances… sign up with LuMind RDS Runners now. Reach us at rdsrunners@researchds.org for more information. LuMind RDS Runners is the nation’s charity running program that has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support Down syndrome cognition research.

Share this with anyone who has said: “Some day, I want to run the Chicago Marathon,” or who has said, “What can I do to support research that has the potential to identify therapies that will enhance life opportunities for persons with Down syndrome?” Let’s do this.