By Liz Nolan, Contributing Writer
Region – Fifteen years ago Abbie Rosenberg’s good friend was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). As she learned more about ALS, she became passionate about organizing an event that would raise awareness of the disease and help raise funds for medical research leading to a cure. That result was a small 5K race with 400 runners that has grown and become an annual community event with 2,000 participants.
This year’s Sharon Timlin Memorial 5K Race to Cure ALS will be held Saturday, June 16, at Hopkinton High School located at 90 Hayden Rowe St. The race will begin at 8:30 a.m. followed by a Family Fun Day.
ALS is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder, which affects the central nervous system and compromises the brain’s ability to send signals to the body’s muscles resulting in the loss of voluntary muscle movement, paralysis and respiratory failure. There is no cure for ALS; it is fatal and the average survival rate is three to five years.
Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Mike Timlin’s mother Sharon passed away from ALS as the race was in its infancy stage.
“He was invested in helping to do whatever he could so that people didn’t have to go through what his mom and family did,” said Rosenberg, who is event director. “He was excited to be a part of it and has come every year.”
Money raised from the race goes directly to the Angel Fund, a nonprofit organization benefitting the Cecil B. Day Laboratory of Neurological Research at UMass Medical School. The research is led by Department of Neurology Chair and Neurologist Dr. Robert H. Brown Jr. To date, the event has raised over $1.5 million.
“There has been tremendous growth towards a cure,” said Rosenberg. “We will find one in our lifetime.”
Rosenberg praised the commitment of the event’s volunteers as it is a year-round planning process. The race operates with all volunteers, many who have a personal connection to the disease. It celebrates those that are living with ALS as well as those who have lost their battle. Many of those faces of ALS can be viewed on the website, as well on race day.
“We pride ourselves on providing a fun day for all age groups,” she said. “It’s an awful disease, but a great event.”
The race is often known as the second biggest race in Hopkinton; second to the start of the Boston Marathon. It draws competitive runners, joggers and walkers. A kids’ color fun run is also scheduled and registration is required. Following the race is the Family Fun Day including music, food, games, kids’ activities, raffles and a silent auction.
Rosenberg always receives positive feedback on the event with people commenting on the wonderful energy present and the community feeling.
“People are coming together for a great cause,” said Rosenberg. “It’s a win-win for everyone. It’s a feel-good thing for everyone involved.”
Fundraising teams and event sponsors are encouraged.
Additional race details and registration information can be found at www.sharontimlinrace.org and updates can be followed on Facebook. Registration cost will increase Saturday, May 19.
photos/submitted
