A 5K For A Cause
On Sunday’s blisteringly cold and rainy Florida morning, ReEmployAbility Associates braved the weather to complete the annual Brandon Running Associations’ Brandon Half Marathon & 5K event in support of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Taking part in the 5K is a ReEmployAbility tradition that starts off the year with camaraderie and volunteerism.
The racecourse tracked along the Brandon Parkway up to the Selmon Expressway, giving participants an early-morning palm-tree-lined vista while bracing the rain. Runners lined up in their rain jackets and plastic rain ponchos and set off at the running bell at 7 am sharp, and despite the weather- spirits were high.
Afterward, runners were treated to hamburgers, hotdogs, beer, and free massages while winners were announced for the race. Two ReEmployAbility associates, National Sales Manager Todd and Angela, Account Executive, placed in their respective categories for the 5K! Angela came in first for her age group.
In celebrating her win, Angela enthused, “I was truly honored to run the Brandon 5K. Knowing that the proceeds from the race were going to the Muscular Dystrophy Association was all the motivation I needed to brave the rain! ReEmployAbility is proud to support MDA with Transition2Work volunteers and happy to do our part to raise awareness and funds for neuromuscular disease.”
Muscular Dystrophy Associations’ Long-Reaching Impact
The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is a long-standing ReEmployAbility Nonprofit Partner whose mission is to “empower the people we serve to live longer, more independent lives”. MDA is focused on funding research, supporting individuals & families with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related diseases, and advocating for those living with muscular dystrophy. ReEmployAbility works with MDA satellites across the country, providing Transition2Work volunteers that enable MDA’s mission.
Through the support of fundraisers such as 5Ks, MDA can support research initiatives and individuals living with this illness. One of their initiatives includes setting up summer camps across the United States that benefit children and young adults with Muscular Dystrophy or related neurodegenerative diseases. These camps are run thanks to generous donations and participation is provided at no cost to their families.
MDA is committed to creating community education programs, supporting clinics nationwide, and empowering families through services, advocacy, and inclusion.
Supporting Muscular Dystrophy Research & Legislation
MDA also works with doctors and researchers to support new genetic therapies. In 2023, MDA was able to get eight new genetic therapies approved by the FDA for the treatment and care of individuals with Muscular Dystrophy and neuromuscular diseases. MDA funds research breakthroughs with over $1 Billion + invested since their inception. MDA has been a pioneer in getting over 20 treatments approved by the FDA over the past 12 years. By working with lawmakers and government officials, such as Vice-President Kamala Harris, MDA is proactive in forming legislation for the support, research, and care of individuals with Muscular Dystrophy.
ReEmployAbility is proud to partner with the Muscular Dystrophy Association in the work that they do to support individuals living with Muscular Dystrophy and being a pioneering foundation in the field.
For more information on MDA and to donate, go to https://www.mda.org/
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is the #1 voluntary health organization in the United States for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases. For over 70 years, MDA has led the way in accelerating research, advancing care, and advocating for the support of our families
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- ReEmployAbility Volunteers at Give Kids the World Village 2023
