Walking and Rolling for a Cure.
A lot of good things are happening at Anson Calder. It’s been both busy and exciting, but I wanted to take a minute to recap Utah’s Walk & Roll to Cure FSHD, an event we were fortunate enough to sponsor last weekend.
Earlier this year, Anson Calder Co-Founder, Allison Calder (who also happens to by my wife and best friend), became the Director of the FSHD Society’s first Utah chapter. Allison worked many hours to make this event a success, and, in the process, was able to help raise over $10,000 for the FSHD Society. Since my diagnosis in 2013 with FSHD (facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy), the FSHD Society has played an integral part in our family’s journey with FSHD.
The Walk & Roll to Cure FSHD is an event that gives FSHD patients, along with their friends and family, the opportunity to learn more about FSHD while having a great time. Attendees had the choice of participating in a 0.5 mile, 1.5 mile, or 5K distance walk, run, or roll for those in wheelchairs or motorized scooters without the ability to walk. With over 125 people in attendance, all enjoyed food, balloon animals, face painting, a DJ, lawn games, and plenty of swag. Most importantly, the FSHD Society raised some much-needed proceeds that directly fund research and patient support.
I feel compelled to write this – not just because I’m living with muscular dystrophy – but due to the impact that FSHD Society has had on our lives. When I was first diagnosed, Allison and I had medical questions, of course. But what we needed more than anything was support and a community who understood what we were going through and what we would face in the future. We found this in the FSHD Society. They are helping doctors and researchers find a cure while giving people like me a network to lean on. It has been beyond valuable. It’s also part of the reason Anson Calder will always continue to donate a portion of our proceeds to the cause.
If you have a few minutes, I encourage you to learn more about your local FSHD Society chapter and attend a Walk & Roll event here.