Anaheim, California – May 5, 2011… St. Catherine’s Academy, a Catholic school in Orange County, will hold its annual Jog-A-Thon on Thursday, May 19, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at the school’s campus in Anaheim. Now in its 12th year, the event supports the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA).
Coach Greg Jones began organizing the Jog-A-Thon when Chelsea, a close friend of the SCA Family, was diagnosed with Friedreich’s Ataxia at age 5. Now 18, Chelsea struggles with the disease but remains cheerful and loving because of her strong sense of hope. Chelsea is expected to attend the Jog-A-Thon this year if her health allows.
In the weeks leading up to the Jog-A-Thon, students at this Orange County Catholic school learn about the disease in their classes, motivating them to run for this important cause. “There are no prizes or medals for SCA cadets in this venture, but a win for Chelsea and Friedrich’s Ataxia research,” says Jones. The entire student body, grades kindergarten through eighth, will participate in the event. As in previous years, Sisters, teachers, and parents are likely to join in. Last year, students raised over $1,200 for FARA.
Community members interested in supporting the Jog-A-Thon and Friedreich’s Ataxia research can contribute by sending checks made out to FARA to St. Catherine’s Academy, 215 N. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92805 or visiting the school’s online giving page (www.tinyurl.com/sca-giving) and lisiting Jog-A-Thon in the “other gift” description line. All contributions must be received by May 19, 2011.
About Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA)
FA is an aggressive neurodegenerative disease that debilitates people of all ages, robbing them of their ability to walk, see, speak and hear and cutting short their life expectancies. Currently, there is no cure or treatment for FA. Although rare, FA is the most prevalent inherited ataxia, affecting about one in every 50,000 people in the United States.
About Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA)
FARA advances research for Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA) and is dedicated to curing FA.
Founded in 1998 by FA parents and patients, FARA is a nonprofit, 501c3, whose mission is directing and funding research through a remarkable level of collaboration among the patient, medical and scientific communities. FARA funded research is bringing promising treatments forward fueling confidence in the ability to slow, stop and reverse this disease for patients living with FA today. http://www.CureFA.org
About St. Catherine’s Academy
The first Catholic school in Orange County, St. Catherine’s Academy is an independent Catholic school with a military tradition for boys in kindergarten through 8th grade. The school is owned and operated by the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose and offers both day and boarding opportunities.
Contact St. Catherine’s Academy : Catholic school Orange County or Private schools Orange County
Media Contact:
Joanna Ronan
Director of Advancement/Marketing
St. Catherine’s Academy
Address : 215 N. Harbor Blvd. Anaheim, California 92805
Phone:(714) 772-1363 x112
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.stcatherinesacademy.org
