The Reason Behind Run Far Live Free

This week's Fuel for Friday is arguably the most important one, so if you're going to read any of these, let this be the one!

If you didn't already know, 100% of your purchase of any Run Far Live Free hoodie goes towards research of Parkinson's Disease. You're probably wondering why? Well let me tell you!

My Grandpa was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease a few years back. My Grandpa (it's weird to call him Grandpa so we'll be referring to him as Papa from here on out) and I are very close.

Papa has always been my biggest supporter from as far back as I can remember. Whether that meant being the first ones in the bleacher's at my many (extremely long) gymnastics meets AND practices, he and my Grandma were always there. He cheered me on in school, came to Michigan State many times just to grab dinner and catch up, and even drove all the way to Chicago just to see my new home when I moved. 

He has always been there for me and shown me what it truly means to show up for the people that you love. I want to support him the way that he always has for me. So that is why your purchase goes towards research of Parkinson's Disease...but allow me to elaborate further!

My family and I are running the 2025 Chicago Marathon in October with goals of raising over $8,400 for research. Your support goes to the Van Andel Institute and enables us to continue funding groundbreaking scientific research in pursuit of finding ways to slow or stop Parkinson's progression and improve quality of life.  

If you aren't familiar, Parkinson’s disease is a complex disorder that, over time, steals away a person’s ability to move. 

In recent decades, Parkinson’s disease cases have increased globally, due in part to people living longer. This trend is expected to continue, with some estimates suggesting that more than 12 million people could be diagnosed with Parkinson’s by 2040 — a four -fold increase from 1990. 

Currently, there is no cure and no effective way to slow or stop disease progression. The scientists at VAI and collaborators around the globe are working to change that by:

• Investigating the role of genetics and epigenetics in Parkinson’s
• Exploring the impact of inflammation on disease development
• Analyzing how the structure of the brain itself may protect against or promote the disease