The Observer, April 11, 2008
Volume XL, Issue 24
Charity fundraiser hits the quad running
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Running laps around the quad can signify more than a science-heavy class schedule. March for Marfan, an awareness and research fundraiser for the National Marfan Foundation, will be held at 11 a.m. tomorrow, April 12, sponsored by the Case chapter of Alpha Phi Omega (APO), a co-ed national service fraternity.
Now in its third year at CWRU, March for Marfan started as the idea of Maya Brown, a CWRU and APO alum, and several other brothers in the fraternity. Motivated by friends and loved ones with the syndrome, these individuals looked at what their chapter could do to help. Taking this idea into their own hands, the fraternity crafted the 5K run/3K walk to not only raise funding for research but also to increase awareness.
"Most of our alums will be returning," said Josh Rubin, APO brother and co-chair of the event, which shows the continued personal commitment of the event's founders. Rubin sees the race as a pilot fundraiser for the National Marfan Foundation. He hopes the event, with continued success, will be adopted nationally.
Even with its prominence in the population, Rubin commented that Marfan syndrome awareness is low. To publicize the race, APO set up tables in Nord to both advertise for the event and answer questions about the syndrome. "We always ask, 'Do you know what Marfan syndrome is?'" explained Rubin. With support from the National Marfan Foundation, APO is able to provide brochures and other supplies relating to the syndrome to anyone who is curious.
The event has been growing steadily over the past years. With around 40 people attending the first year, Rubin was pleased to see that sign-ups have already surpassed last year's total participants. "We were hoping to meet and surpass current entries…[we're] currently double the first year," says Rubin. Even with the event beginning tomorrow, it is not too late to register. APO will be accepting walk-on participants until the start of the race.
Marfan syndrome, a genetically heritable disorder, affects one in every 5000 people. Using current census data, this equates to almost 61,000 United States citizens. The syndrome targets connective tissue in the body, although not all people with the disease exhibit the same symptoms. These differences, known as varied expression, make diagnosing the disease difficult and complicates the treatment for different individuals. The most life-threatening expressions affect the cardiovascular system. Aortic aneurysm, enlargement of the aorta, and aortic dissection, a tear of the same artery, are the most deadly. While the syndrome is quite dangerous, early detection and treatment can help to control the symptoms.
For more information on both March for Marfan and Marfan syndrome, visit APO's website, http://apo.case.edu. The entry fee per person is $20, although groups of four may register for $70. All proceeds from the event will go to the National Marfan Foundation to support research and awareness. A prize will be awarded to the winner of the 5K, and there will also be over 20 raffle drawings for gift certificates from local merchants and restaurants. March for Marfan shirts, given to those who registered for the event early, will also be for sale.
