Each year, Mitchell Peterson’s parents, Steve and Sandy, are amazed at the support they receive from the community. Over 100 volunteers help to make the race run smoothly and to bring awareness and money to be donated to Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD), a national nonprofit organization founded in 1994 by parents of children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Mitchell’s Run thru Rockford has more than doubled in size and scope since the Petersons established it in 1999. Since then, the event has raised over $600,000, all donated to PPMD in the name of their son Mitchell Peterson, 16, of Rockford.
“After our son was diagnosed, my wife and I wanted to make a difference,” explained Steve Peterson. “We’re thrilled this race has helped to raise awareness and support, at least in our neck of the woods. More people now know about Duchenne MD, which is important because this disease can happen in any family and currently affects many boys and their families here in West Michigan.”
This year’s event, sponsored by Wolverine World Wide and Meijer, takes place on Saturday, August 18 at 8:30 a.m. The Kids for Kids K starts at 9:30 a.m. This is a competitive race but also a family event featuring a silent auction during and awards ceremony following the race. For more race details, visit www.mitchellsrun.org.
PPMD is a national not-for-profit organization founded in 1994 by parents of children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Duchenne MD is the most common lethal genetic disorder diagnosed during early childhood, affecting approximately one out of every 3,500 boys and 20,000 babies born each year. The organization’s mission is to improve the treatment, quality of life and long-term outlook for all individuals affected by Duchenne through research, advocacy, education and compassion. PPMD is the largest grassroots organization in the U.S. entirely focused on Duchenne muscular dystrophy. It is headquartered in Middletown, Ohio with offices in Fort Lee, New Jersey. For more information, visit www.parentprojectmd.org.
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