Get ready to lace up your running shoes for a cause that touches hearts worldwide! Peabody is hosting its 24th International Race for Research, driving vital efforts to find a cure for Progeria Syndrome. Discover how this inspiring community event is making global strides in gene editing and bringing hope to countless families. What role will you play in accelerating a cure?

The town of Peabody is gearing up for a significant annual occasion, the 24th International Race for Research, an event dedicated to advancing the quest for a cure for Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome, a devastating rare disease. Organized by the Progeria Research Foundation (PRF) and proudly supported by long-time partner North Shore Bank, this race symbolizes a unified effort to bring hope and tangible progress to children worldwide afflicted with Progeria.

Scheduled for Saturday, September 13, at 9 a.m. with a start at Leather City Common, this family-friendly 5K event invites participants to run or walk a two-mile course, rain or shine. Beyond the physical challenge, attendees can enjoy music, refreshments, and even a dedicated dog watering station, fostering a vibrant Peabody community event atmosphere centered around a crucial cause. This year’s “superstar” theme celebrates every individual contributing to the mission, recognizing their vital role in supporting these courageous children.

The genesis of the Progeria Research Foundation is deeply personal for its Executive Director, Audrey Gordon. Her nephew, Sam, was diagnosed with Progeria in 1998, a moment that galvanized Gordon and led to the establishment of PRF in 1999. This personal connection underscores the profound dedication driving the foundation’s relentless pursuit of medical breakthroughs.

Sam’s journey, though it concluded in 2014, left an indelible legacy of inspiration that continues to fuel the PRF’s mission. His spirit invigorates supporters and researchers alike, propelling them forward with renewed determination in their ambitious quest to find a rare disease cure. The foundation remains committed to honoring his memory through sustained scientific progress.

Bearing the name “International Race for Research,” the event highlights PRF’s global impact, drawing children with Progeria from across the world to Boston for clinical trials and other pivotal activities. This global participation underscores the universal nature of the fight against Progeria and the foundation’s commitment to serving affected families irrespective of geographical boundaries.

Funds generated from the International Race for Research are channeled directly into PRF’s groundbreaking scientific endeavors, most notably gene editing research. This pioneering approach represents the most promising pathway to directly correct the specific gene mutation responsible for Progeria, offering a precision-based solution to eradicate the disease at its source.

Thanks to PRF’s tireless efforts and the consistent support of events like this race, children and young adults living with Progeria are experiencing extended lifespans due to Lonafarnib, the first and only FDA-approved treatment. This significant achievement provides a critical bridge, allowing more time for further gene editing research and the ultimate development of a complete cure.

Michael R. Wheeler, President and CEO of North Shore Bank, emphasized the bank’s long-standing commitment to the initiative, highlighting the importance of community support in making a real difference. The North Shore Bank partnership exemplifies how local institutions can play a pivotal role in global health initiatives, bringing hope and crucial funding to the fight against Progeria. The collective dedication from participants, sponsors, and researchers is accelerating science and bringing the world closer to a complete cure for Progeria.