Stories A Walk in the Valley for MPS October 20 One hundred and fifty people participated in the 3rd annual A Walk in th e Valley for MPS, raising more than $13,000. "The best part of this year's walk was having several out of town MPS families join in," said event organizers Luis and Angela Guajardo. Attendees included Ganesh Shrestha and family from Pennsylvania; Jennifer Wingate, her father and a friend from Houston; and Clay Howard and family from Corpus Christi. Locally, Christopher Nunez and his mother, Sonia, were a big help to the Guajardo's and their daughter Karina in organizing the race. Alex rsising money for research while raising awareness of MPS. In 2007, 18 walk/runs were held across the country, generating more than $373,000 for research! Since their inception in 2000, the annual walk/runs have generated more than $2,215,000 allowing the National MPS Society to invest more than $2,703,000 in research from 2001-2008. The Society thanks all the coordinators and volunteers for their hard work in making these events a success. Luna joined in spirit through his family from San Antonio. BioMarin/MPS Run for Your Life 5K October 7 BioMarin employees, friends and families, and several local MPS families, turned out for the 5th annual Run for Your Life 5K at the Indian Valley Campus of the College of Marin in Novato, CA. The event raised $45,000 for the National MPS Society. The employees of BioMarin really enjoy promoting this event, and each year challenge themselves to raise more money. Event coordinator: Kathie Ward Dash for Danny & MPS September 22 Through the generous support of family, friends and corporate sponsors, more than $13,000 was raised for MPS research at the 2007 Dash for Danny & MPS. "Danny touched the lives of so many people during his brief time on earth and he continues to inspire us to raise money to find a cure for all the MPS disorders," said Tom and Anne Gniazdowski, event organizers. Jack's Run for MPS September 22 Event coordinator for Jack's Run for MPS Dara Persson recalls that "At the end of the day, when we were ready to wrap it up and have Jack say a few words we could not find him. He was off playing with friends and having a blast. Jack's mom said, 'Who knew I could be so happy about not being able to find my child!' This is what this day is all about, making sure Jack and other kids like him can continue to make their parents worry about the normal stuff." Laps for Lucas September 9 "After our diagnosis, my entire life was turned upside down and I did not know what to do," said event organizer Stacey Montgomery. "Following three days of grief, I had a dream about having a benefit to raise money for Lucas. I met with my girlfriends the next day, who told me they had already been talking about having a benefit." Laps for Lucas was held in Cedar Rapids, IA. Stacey and her husband Lew both grew up in nearby Oshkosh, WI, and have many connections within the community. They initially planned on having 200 people attend the walk, with the goal of raising $22,500. But as word spread, more and more people decided to attend, exceeding their expectations. Lukie's Legacy... A Walk for a Cure September 8 More than 600 people attended Lukie's Legacy...A Walk for a Cure, held in Oshkosh, WI. Thirty volunteers helped with the event, which included a luncheon, band, silent auction, clowns, a fire truck and karate demonstration. A local radio station covered the event, which raised more than $60,000. "Putting on such a large event isn't easy, but I would do it again in a heart beat," said Jill Valdez, event organizer. "MPS leaves parents feeling helpless and alone. My way of fighting that feeling is by raising money and awareness. I will continue to hold a walk for Lucas and all of the other MPS kids until a cure for MPS is found." Mackenzie's 5K Run/Walk for MPS October 13 "Mackenzie's 2nd grade class came out to escort her to the finish line. It brought a smile to our faces and tears to our eyes to see them in their purple tie-dyed T-shirts walking for the love of Mackenzie. It reminded us that Mackenzie is a special little girl who has impacted those young children and an entire community." — Jennifer and Steven Clarke, event organizers Miles for MPS September 29 The Miles for MPS walk this year was held in memory of Payton Cherpes, who passed away in August. Approximately 90 walkers and several volunteers attended. Event coordinator: Laurel Radius Fort Worth MPS Run for Their Lives 5K October 13 Backed by a new event coordinator, Scott Hardin, the Holland and Green families again hosted the Fort Worth MPS Run for Their Lives 5K for the sixth consecutive year. The event attracted nearly 100 runners and walkers, along with numerous volunteers, who helped put on one of the biggest events to date. "The participation by runners, volunteers, friends and family really encourage us each year as we raise funds to cure MPS," said Steve Holland, whose son, Spencer, passed away Jan. 26, 2008. MPS Walk & Run LA October 20 When Tami Slawson began the MPS Walk & Run LA in 2001, there was no treatment for any of the MPS disorders and she believed her children were the only ones locally with MPS. Seven years later, three treatments are available, and more than 30 families attend the event each year. "I am truly blessed to be a small part of making a difference in all our children's lives and pray that the next seven years brings a treatment for all our babies and maybe, just maybe, a cure!" said Tami. Run for Teagan September 15 "I don't want Teagan's diagnosis (MPS I) to define the person she is, or the one she will become. I wanted to step up and raise awareness about these diseases. I knew I had to do something. I want people to know that, yes, she has a diagnosis, but she has hope." — Stacey Pevler, Teagan's mother and event organizer Ryan's Run October 13 The 8th Annual Ryan's Run, held Oct. 13, 2007, raised $9,000 for the National MPS Society. This year's event was significant because Ryan (MPS II) passed away Jan.12, 2008; this was his last time to be at his walk/run. "The number of participants and the profit from the annual walk/runs are important, but not as important as the awareness that is raised," said Dorothy Mask, Ryan's mother and event organizer. "The more people who are introduced to MPS/ML disorders means more contacts and support. All those elements have helped the MPS Society to grow to what it is today. There are now treatments, family support systems, bigger and better conferences, more literature and so much more that has grown from the support of the walk/runs. Everyone keep doing what you're doing, keep supporting each other and raising awareness. Ryan's Run will continue and we appreciate all the support we receive." Miles for MPS Andrew's Walk and Roll for MPS October 6 Held in a small town with only one traffic light, this event raised approximately $4,500. Event coordinator: Sharon Cochenour 5K for Katie, Do it for Danny  October 7 More than 300 people registered for this event, which raised more than $25,000. Event coordinator: Amy Miller