SWAMPSCOTT- 2022 will be Anna Wistran Wolfe’s first year of the Michael J. Fox Foundation’s Boston Run/Walk event without Daniel Wistran’s presence. After two years of virtual fundraising, the run/walk will be back in-person on Oct. 30 at the starting point of 17 Monument Ave (Linscott Park). Registration fees of the race is $40 for adults and $20 for children under 13 years old. Registrations on site are welcome at the event.
Daniel Wistran, Anna’s father, was the inspiration for the event. He suffered from Parkinson’s Disease for 23 years and passed away in September 2021. When Daniel was diagnosed with the disease in 1999, they started to search for fundraising events and realized that there was nothing in the local area.
In 2007, the Wistran family decided to start their own fundraising event, which was called the North Shore Walk for Parkinson’s Disease. Over the years, it gained more and more walkers, from 20 walkers in the beginning to nearly 200.
Later the Michael J. Fox Foundation brought this event under their umbrella in 2017, and Swampscott became home to their Boston event.
“They are the best organization for fundraising and research for Parkinson’s, and I truly believe that if anyone can cure Parkinson’s disease, it’s the Michael J. Fox Foundation,” said Anna.
There will be several races including a kids fun run, a one mile walk and a 5K run/walk. On Oct. 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00p.m., the Boston Run/Walk will gather hundreds of runners and walkers as they lace up in Linscott Park to help speed a cure for Parkinson’s disease, according to Kristina Magana, Associate Director in communication.
“The Foundation’s Boston Run/Walk is another example of our commitment to bring the Parkinson’s community together in our mission to accelerate a cure for the disease,” said Stephanie Paddock, vice president of events and engagement at The Michael J. Fox Foundation.
Since 2017, The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s Boston Run/Walk has raised more than $500,000 (and counting!) — 100 percent of which will go directly to the Foundation’s high-impact research programs, said Magana. Runners and walkers of all ages, abilities and speeds are invited to lace up. Sign up at: https://runwalk.michaeljfox.org/boston
Sylvia Chen can be reached at [email protected]
