This year’s second annual Denim Dash has so far pulled in over $55,000 in donations from across the globe! Patients, parents, friends and family just like you have taken the time to run/walk/swim/bike/or roll 3.1 miles in support of the rare disease community. This 5k virtual dash was done between March 19th and 27th. What made the dash so successful? Probably the ability for anyone to participate at any time, in any place that suited them.
We were able to speak with some dashers about this year’s journey and here’s what they had to say:
Jordann Coleman’s Denim Dash:
Was there anyone in particular you were running for? Who?
Yes, I was mainly running for my 3-year-old son, Carter. Carter has Maple Syrup Urine Disease. However, since his diagnosis shortly after birth, we’ve become a part of a greater MSUD community, who I wanted to represent. Also, since Carter’s birth I’ve become an advocate for newborn screening and have met other families with children fighting other rare diseases. They were all in my thoughts as I ran each day.
Was this your first year participating in the Denim Dash?
Yes, it was.
Were you joined by any close friends or family?
My 5 year-old daughter, Sasha, joined me twice (once on foot & another on her bike) and my husband ran with me one day. I loved spending some one-on-one time with my daughter doing something fun & healthy. I also loved running with my husband. We don’t get many opportunities to spend time together without children and he joined me on Day 7 so he gave me an extra boost during the run.
Did you enjoy the experience—and did you feel like you made a difference?
Yes, I really enjoyed it. I felt I made a difference at least in my social circle. I posted pictures on Facebook and Instagram daily with messages that spoke about the rare disease experience to try and give others a peek into what life is like for rare disease patients and their families. The response from my social circle was amazing. The donations and reactions from people far exceeded my expectations.
What was your favorite moment?
Probably when I finished! Before I began the challenge I was toying around with the idea of running each of the nine days. But I knew if I didn’t hold myself accountable, it would be easy to let life get in the way of sticking to the challenge. So, I put my challenge out in the social media world as a way to make sure I ran every day. When I was on my last run, I kept thinking about the experience and how proud I was of my accomplishment and more importantly, how other people supported me and my family throughout the experience. I had a big smile on my face as I finished the last 5K.
THERE’S STILL TIME TO HELP!
The Virtual Denim Dash 5k is open to register or donate until April 30th! Show your support for the rare disease community and get give now: https://www.crowdrise.
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