PEABODY — The Progeria Research Foundation (PRF) will host its 24th annual International Race for Research, a tradition that unites the local community and global supporters in the mission to cure Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (Progeria).
Proudly presented by PRF and long-time event partner North Shore Bank, the International Race for Research is Peabody’s longest-running, most family-friendly 5K event. Participants can run the 5K or walk the 2 mile course while enjoying music, refreshments and a dog watering station for four-legged friends.
“These kinds of events help raise awareness, and they help raise funds and keep our community together to celebrate the work that we have done and the work that’s still to come,” PRF Executive Director Audrey Gordon said.
Gordon noted that her nephew Sam was diagnosed with Progeria in 1998, and his diagnosis was the catalyst for The Progeria Research Foundation’s creation in 1999.
Sam died in 2014, leaving a legacy of inspiration that now drives PRF and its supporters to continue the quest for a cure with more determination than ever.
“We continue the efforts in his honor, of course, and for all the kids around the world,” she said.
The International Race for Research takes place in person on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 9 a.m., starting at Leather City Common. The race is rain or shine, and it is superstar themed.
Gordon said this year’s International Race for Research is “all about the superstars, that everybody is such a superstar to help us treat (and) cure these kids.”
There is also a virtual option for participants around the world. Every step from participants racing in person and virtually from their homes helps accelerate research toward a cure.
According to Gordon, PRF has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years for Progeria research. Gordon emphasized that the race has the word “international” in its title “because kids with Progeria come to Boston from all over the world to take part in these clinical trials and other activities.”
Funds raised support PRF’s groundbreaking work, including gene editing, which is the most promising path to cure Progeria. This pioneering approach aims to directly correct the gene mutation responsible for the disease.
“There was nothing for these kids before we existed,” Gordon said. “Nobody really knew what Progeria was. Nobody had the resources or energy or attention to it to do research.”
Progeria is a rare, fatal condition characterized by rapid aging in children, who — without treatment — die of heart disease at an average age of just 14.5 years old.
Thanks to PRF’s global impact and the support of events like the International Race for Research, children and young adults with Progeria are now living longer with Lonafarnib, the first and only FDA-approved treatment.
“We are so happy to bring this incredible event back for the 24th year,” Gordon said. “The dedication of our superstar race participants and sponsors like North Shore Bank is helping push science forward faster than ever. With gene editing, there is real hope for a cure — and the Race for Research plays a key role in making that future possible.”
She added that “the gene editing could completely correct that one letter mutation and could cure Progeria completely, so that’s super exciting.”
In-person participants will be joined by PRF co-founders Dr. Leslie Gordon and Dr. Scott Berns, along with 15-year-old Carlos from Massachusetts.
“At North Shore Bank, we believe in the power of community and the importance of supporting causes that make a real difference,” said Michael R. Wheeler, president and CEO of North Shore Bank. “We are proud to continue our support of the Progeria Research Foundation’s Race for Research, an inspiring event that brings hope, awareness and critical funding to the fight against Progeria.
“Together, we can help advance the research that brings families closer to a cure,” he said.
Online registration is now open at prfroadrace.org or by calling 978-535-2594.
