Special Events

  • 4/23 5K for a Cure: Join Zebra Run

    The UConn Genome Ambassadors Program (GAP) is organizing a "Zebra Run" to benefit the Multiple Sulfatase Deficiency Foundation. The Multiple Sulfatase Deficiency Foundation is working toward a cure for the rare, but lethal genetic condition, Multiple Sulfatase Deficiency (MSD). MSD results in the loss of proper sulfatase activity, which leads to an accumulation of wastes in the cells and as time goes on, slowly degenerates various areas of the body. This condition, diagnosed often at age 2 to 3, is lethal to impacted children by age 10. The MSD foundation has fought for a cure for MSD for years and this past year, they have begun a toxicology study on a potential gene therapy candidate. The only problem? Well, as mentioned, MSD is rare, which means unfortunately it is often understudied. The families of MSD-impacted children and the MSD community have banded together to raise the roughly half a million dollar cost of these life-saving trials. For more on the MSD foundation, please visit: https://curemsd.org/
     
    Every year, to help raise the costs to cover some of these vital treatments for MSD kids, the foundation holds a "Zebra Run", a 5k to benefit our brave MSD children. The event can be run either virtually or can be run in person with other GAP members/runners. For the in-person component, we are tentatively planning on getting a casual group together to run the 5k on April 23, 2023 (date subject to change) outdoors, with a location to be determined. All team members will be contacted after registration for more information on the run itself and how to be involved with associated fundraising (an optional component).
     
    Registration is $20 with the code "STUDENT" and gets you a Zebra Run 2023 T-shirt, a race bib, and a finisher medal. All proceeds go directly to the MSD Foundation. Any and all are welcome to join this event. To join our Zebra Run team, please complete the following:
    1. Visit: https://www.classy.org/team/484443
    2. Click on the "join team" button.
    3. You will be prompted to pick an admission, please pick the virtual run, which will show up as $45.00
    4. Enter your information and shirt size.
    5. When prompted, enter the discount code STUDENT and then checkout!
    You will then be entered onto our team page where you will receive your own fundraising page, which you are welcome to customize!
     
    This is an amazing opportunity to get involved while having fun and meeting others! 
    For more information, contact: Stephanie Schofield at stephanie.schofield@uconn.edu