From February 13th through February 28th (Rare Disease Day), APS Type 1 patients, families, and supporters gathered virtually to participate in a 1000-mile walk. The purpose of the online “race” was to raise awareness of APS Type 1, build community, and fundraise for critical research and programming. The event also honored the memory of James Read, who lived valiantly with APS Type 1 for his 20 years with us. His family and friends started a walk in 2022 as a tribute to James’ love of hiking, and they graciously welcomed the APS Type 1 Foundation to join in the celebration.
The online trek began at iconic Wrigley Field in Chicago, stopped at the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art made famous in the movie Rocky, continued to the giant ferris wheel on the Ocean City boardwalk at the Jersey shore, and finished at the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., which is the location of the 5th International Symposium on APS Type 1 on July 7th and 8th. Unlike during a live race, participants were able to log many different kinds of activities that were converted to miles.
Over one hundred runners, walkers, skiers, rock climbers, yogis, volleyball players, martial artists, snowshoers, pickleballers, rowers, bikers, aerobicizers, equestrians, and more logged a total of 4,641.56 miles, far exceeding the 1,000 mile goal! Additionally, participants raised $10,853 from 114 donors. The walk was such a success that we plan to make it an annual event. We hope you will join us next year!