First Annual Riley’s Run for Apfed to Raise Money for Research and Help Fellow Oklahomans
The 5K Run begins at 8 a.m. and the 1 Mile Fun Run begins at 9 a.m. at Oakdale School, 10901 N Sooner Road, Edmond, Oklahoma.
For more information about Riley’s Run and to register, please visit www.RileysRun.com. or call 405-206-5746.
The local group members hosting the race are pouring their hearts and souls into this cause after watching Riley Kahn, a precious three year-old Oklahoma City girl, suffer from an extremely rare Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorder. Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders (EGID) are chronic digestive system disorders in which eosinophils (white blood cells) are found in higher than normal amounts in areas of the digestive tract causing inflammation of the stomach and small intestine. This condition makes Riley’s little body allergic to almost all food. She relies on a special formula fed through a feeding tube to receive all of her nutritional needs.
In her short three years of life, Riley has undergone many medical procedures and hundreds of doctors’ appointments. Medical care is not readily available to Riley due to the rarity of her disorder. Because Oklahoma does not have a specialist for Riley’s condition, the Kahns have to travel to Denver, CO for weeks at a time to receive the proper medical treatment.
Proceeds from this event will support APFED, a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to patients and their families coping with eosinophilic disorders. APFED strives to expand education, create awareness, and fund research of eosinophil associated disorders.
A group of uncommon diseases, eosinophil associated disorders are rapidly emerging as a healthcare problem worldwide. Yet many patients suffering from these disorders go undiagnosed for years due to the lack of information or awareness of these disorders.
• These disorders are characterized by having above normal amounts of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in one or more specific places in the digestive system, tissues, organs, and/or blood stream, which causes inflammation and damage.
• Diagnosis can only be made through biopsies of affected areas.
• These diseases are chronic and often debilitating.
• Delays in diagnosis are common and often patients are misdiagnosed.
• There is NO FDA approved treatment for most eosinophil associated disorders and there is No Cure!
The Riley’s Run organizers hope that the funds raised from the June 16, 2012 5 km Race and 1 mile Fun Run will lead to faster diagnosis, better treatments, and a cure for these difficult disorders.
For more information about APFED and Eosinophilic Disorders, please visit www.apfed.org
