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Go For Gaucher 5K Walk/Run, October 14, 2012

The National Gaucher Foundation's first annual 5K event in the Atlanta metropolitan area was a big hit for everyone who attended. Mason Mill Park in Decatur, GA was the perfect setting for the 5K.

Go for Gaucher was part of October Gaucher Awareness Month, in addition to the 7th Annual online Auction and the 5K online Walk/Run. The NGF greeted families and individuals who had never heard of Gaucher disease, but left with the knowledge that it can affect anyone. A plethora of posters, flyers, brochures and Gaucher related information was made available by the NGF and its sponsors, Actelion, Genzyme, A Sanofi Company, Pfizer and Shire.

The day began with registration and check in and by the time the event began, it was evident that this would be a very special day. Everyone was given "Go for Gaucher T-Shirts and a goodie bag. After fueling up with refreshments, the race participants, headed to the starting line. Wearing shirts emblazoned with their race numbers, one by one they took their place. In a matter of minutes the sound of the megaphone signaled the beginning of the race. Runners and walkers were cheered on and photographed by Atlanta Sports Photography as they made their way from the starting line. The trails and roads leading to and from the race were majestic; replete with trees in every shade of Autumn. The sun shined throughout the park, casting a glow over the trails. Perfect weather greeted the runners and walkers.

One by one, the runners and walkers returned to the park and were greeted by festivities, refreshments and tents filled with things to do, delectable foods, balloons, a juice and smoothie truck and even a social photo booth. There was plenty of food, as Shire provided a wonderful pancake breakfast, Pfizer had a juice, nectar and smoothie truck, Actelion provided bananas and Genzyme provided water and energy bars, so there was plenty to choose from throughout the day. The day seemed more like an educational carnival, as participants had a fun-filled day in an enjoyable atmosphere, while surrounded by an abundance of posters and information about Gaucher.

One of the highlights of the day was the two teams representing individuals with Gaucher. Gabe's Superheros had the largest team with approximately 40 members, while Team Shaina touted 16 or more members. For having the biggest team, Gabe's Superheros were all given hats bearing the name of their team. Additionally, Gabe who is six years old and has Gaucher disease, was also given framed posters related to the event. Many people visited the sponsors' tents and pavilions and were treated to fun and food while learning about symptoms, testing, treatments, prevalence and how people are affected. The sponsors did a great job of interacting with the participants and their families and we could not have had this wonderful event had it not been for our generous sponsors.

Thank you to everyone who came to the live 5K event, sponsored, volunteered and donated in-kind services, gifts and gift certificates. Beloiw are a few photos from the event. See more at the NGF 5K photo album.

National Gaucher Foundation

 

Photos of the 5K Walk/Run

All 500 to 600 photos of "Go for Gaucher" can be viewed and purchased at Atlanta Sports Photography at
http://atlantasportsphotography.zenfolio.com/p553008293.  If you would like to purchase a photo, 25% of the proceeds from the sales will be donated to the National Gaucher Foundation.

 

Winners of the 5K online Event

"Find the iPod"
Winners were asked to find the iPods hidden in the online 5K Walk/Run
Prize: Apple iPod Shuffle
Nancy Masters
Theresa Sweeny

"Guess the Winners"
The winners were asked to pick the winning numbers of the live 5K Walk/Run held at Mason Mill Park, Decatur, GA on October 14th.
Prize: $250 to the charity/cause of your choice
Melissa Steinman
Megan Corley

Congratulations to our winners and thank you for participating in the 5K Walk/Run online event. The National Gaucher Foundation appreciates being chosen at the charity of choice by Melisa Steinman and Megan Corley.

 

Here are a few photos from the event.

 
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