The Boyertown Area Times

Public invited to participat­e in Rare Disease Day 5K for local boy

- From Kerry Bonner

Garrett Coyne is a Gilbertsvi­lle resident and Boyertown Area School District student. He has been diagnosed with Batten Disease; a rare progressiv­ely degenerati­ve disease that has no cure. On Sunday, Feb. 14, participan­ts local to the Gilbertsvi­lle area can join members of Team Garrett the Grand at the Upper Perkiomen YMCA on their indoor track at 1399 Quakertown Road, Pennsburg. The 5k walk will begin at 3 p.m.

If you can’t make the indoor event then you can participat­e anytime time during the month of February. Walk at your local park, run in your neighborho­od or hike your favorite walking trail. Choose your distance; 5k, 10k or a half marathon. Each participan­t will be rewarded with a medal and the satisfacti­on of knowing that their registrati­on will be supporting NORD (National Organisati­on for Rare Disorders).

There are approximat­ely 7,000 rare diseases worldwide affecting 25 to 30 million people in the United States alone. Rare Disease Day takes place on the last day of February each year. Throughout February each year patients and their families, advocates and organizati­ons come together to raise awareness about rare diseases. Please join us!

To register for the virtual event visit active.com, search Rare Disease Day 2019 and join team Garrett the Grand.

To learn more about Garrett visit battenfigh­ter.com.

 ?? SUBMITTED PHOTO ?? Garrett Coyne pictured with his second-grade teacher Maritza Ventresca on Rare Disease Day 2018.
SUBMITTED PHOTO Garrett Coyne pictured with his second-grade teacher Maritza Ventresca on Rare Disease Day 2018.

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