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Having goals along the way is an important part of any diet or weight loss plan. One of the best goals is preparing yourself to participate in a race that supports a good cause. Preparing for the race provides a good reason to keep exercising and working on your diet, and knowing that your participation in the race benefits more than just you or your weight loss is another powerful motivator to keep on going even when it gets really difficult. That is why at Medifast we have developed the Healthy Strides Race Series that encourages a healthy lifestyle and supports the advancement of health medicine. Join us at our next event, the Getty Owl 5K and 10K race on Sunday, February 22 in Sacramento at Crocker Park.
Who is the Getty Owl Organization?
Getty Owl is an organization that aims to help families affected by Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), as well as to raise funds for SMA research and raise awareness of SMA in the community. The foundation was founded by the parents of Getty, a girl who was diagnosed with SMA at just 4 months of age. The organization helps families through sharing personal experiences and tips, as well as by helping to provide supplies and equipment that are not covered under the families’ insurance plans. The foundation fundraising efforts support the SMA Gene Therapy program at Nationwide Children’s Hospital that is headed by Dr. Brian Kaspar. There is currently no cure for SMA, but Getty Owl believes that a treatment or cure can and will be developed as long as public awareness and research funding continues. One of the ways Getty Owl raises awareness is by holding the now 4th annual ¼ mile kids run, 5K, 10K race.
What is Spinal Muscular Atrophy?
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a neurological disorder that causes extreme muscle weakness. The condition is genetic and occurs approximately once in every 6,000 births. SMA is the most common cause of a genetic-related death in children under the age of 2 years old. The majority of children with SMA do not live past this age. The muscle weakness they experience is so severe that the children face difficulty swallowing and breathing. SMA does not affect the child’s cognitive abilities or functioning.
Preparing For the Getty Owl Run/Walk Race