Greene County News Report
FAIRBORN – The Scleroderma Foundation’s Dayton Area Support Group will host its fourth Step Out & Cruise In to Cure Scleroderma – Fun Run, Walk & Car Show on Saturday, Aug. 1 at Community Park in Fairborn.
The event takes place through rain or shine, and begins at 10:30 a.m. for walkers and runners and 11 a.m. for car show participants.
According to Scleroderma Event Chairman Penny Davis, who was diagnosed in 2006, the money raised from this event will help to serve patients through support, education and research, and work to raise local awareness of this disease.
“Through the Dayton Area Support Group, I’ve seen many cases – from patients having skin only-involvement, to internal organs being affected, [leading to] a lung transplant,” Davis said. “This is a cause everyone should be aware of as there is not yet a cure.”
Through corporate and individual sponsorships, along with 250 participants and volunteers, their goal was exceeded, and is described as a success. They look forward to spreading awareness of Scleroderma again this year.
Scleroderma is a chronic, often progressive, autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks its own body. The disease, which literally means “hard skin,” can cause a thickening and tightening of the skin and in many cases damage to internal organs including the lungs, heart, kidneys, esophagus and gastrointestinal tract.
Medications and treatments can help with symptoms, but there is still no cure for Scleroderma. The disease affects three to four times as many women as men.
Corporate and individual sponsorship opportunities are available. Those interested in being a walk or run participant for this cause can register and raise money online by visiting www.scleroderma.org/stepoutandcruiseingreaterdayton. Cost per walker, runner or car show vehicle is $20, and participants receive a T-shirt for that donation.
Children 12 and under are free, but they can register for $5 to receive a T-shirt (on-line only). It is helpful if participants register before the morning of the event, but not required. Car show registration takes place only on the day of the event.
There will be an opportunity to win a 50/50 drawing and great items at the prize raffle, including a six-month family membership to the Greater Dayton YMCA, overnight stays to various area hotels, Kindle Fire HD, tickets to Kings Island and Cedar Point, My Pilates classes, gifts cards, and more, as well as a Solid Gold Oldies Show by Brian Brenner. Car Show awards will be given and the first 50 vehicles to register will receive a dash plaque. Food vendors will be on site to purchase lunch, and face painting, a craft and balloon animals are among the activities targeted for kids.
For information or to request a Step Out & Cruise In to Cure Scleroderma registration brochure, e-mail Penny Davis at [email protected] or call 937-554-1425.
