While most of us spend Thanksgiving Day, relaxing, watching football or entertaining family, Rachael Fischer and Julie Foge rise before the sun to host the Harvesting Hope 5K run.
Since 2015 these two amazing, determined women have hosted this family-focused event — which also includes a 1K — to raise funds for PWS research.
Rachael and Julie began to explore an opportunity to raise awareness in their fight against Prader-Willi syndrome shortly after their children were diagnosed with PWS. Rachael is mom to Jude, age 6, and Julie is mom to Eliza, age 4. Both women wanted to give their children the opportunity to participate in a local, fitness-focused tradition on Thanksgiving Day with other children and families in their community. They also wanted to build awareness of PWS and the research needed to find effective treatments. A 5K for PWS research seemed like the perfect way to do both of those things at once.
Families Give Thanks and Give Back
The Harvesting Hope 5K takes runners (and walkers) through the beautiful paths surrounding Central Park in the Stapleton neighborhood of Denver, Colorado. Kids aged 10 and under are invited to participate in a free 1K fun run, and strollers are welcome on the course. Registration includes a t-shirt, swag bag, and timed results along with free entertainment. Many families have been participating together every year as part of their tradition of giving thanks and giving back!
Each year the event grows and last year’s event drew over 850 participants from over 15 states and raised an incredible $50,000 for PWS research.
FPWR is so grateful to these incredible event hosts, their families, and supporters for creating such an incredible annual event. Thank you, Rachael and Julie – you are an inspiration!
Join Team FPWR
It's only through the dedication of our volunteer PWS advocates and fundraisers that we're able to fund the best research in the world in order to find treatments for PWS. Today, because of the the efforts of hundreds of volunteers, we are enrolling multiple drug trials and additional trials are on their way. There is so much to be optimistic for! But we must keep pressing forward and funding the transformative research that will allow our loved ones to live FULL and independent lives. We invite you to join Team FPWR as we raise the funds which are critical to move forward PWS research. Learn more about our fundraising opportunities or contact Sarah Peden or Jacqueline Mizon who can help you get started!
