The third such fun run to raise awareness about ALS will be noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 14 at the Springfield High School track, 701 E. Home Rd. Admission is free.
The run will be 2.5 miles. Registration will begin at noon and the run at 1:10 p.m. There will also be other family-friendly activities including a bake sale and raffle, crafts and face painting.
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Although the run is free, proceeds from the bake sale and donations will go to help those fighting ALS.
“I’m not a runner at all but the idea struck me,” Glancy said. “There will be lots of things for kids and families to do. I just wish people knew more about this disease. I’m 17 and don’t have much power, but I’m doing what I can.”
Glancy was close to her grandmother, and watching ALS claim her health as it progressed over seven years requiring a feeding tube and trachea tube led to Glancy helping to care for her grandmother and others. As ALS doesn’t have a cure and the only available drugs to fight it only helps victims live a few more months, she became an advocate to fight it.
“It was really hard seeing she was in so much pain and knew she would pass, but knowing she wouldn’t have to suffer more then,” Glancy said. “Most people don’t know there is no cure, it’s 100 percent malignant.”
ALS attacks motor neurons and takes away things like ability to walk, dress, speak and other motor functions. The average survival is three years.
The run isn’t Glancy’s only part of the fight. She’s also studying medical assisting at CTC with a long-term goal to become a neuroscientist to help patients.
To get more attention for her event, Glancy sought out the ALS Association Central and Southern Ohio Chapter and Tammy Schiessler, the regional development manager. Glancy has helped her with larger events.
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Schiessler is always grateful for people who want to help wipe out ALS. An area man also worked with her last summer to sponsor a music event to raise funds and awareness.
“It’s always great when somebody cares so much. It gives hope,” Schiessler said. The annual Southeast Ohio Walk to Defeat ALS will be April 4 in Glouster, Ohio.
Glancy reached out to Springfield High’s principal and athletic director for use of the track, and they approved its use for this special event each March.
The first run drew 100 people and 250 in 2019 and raised $800 for the ALS Association. She hopes to have 500 participants and double the amount raised.
Educating people about ALS doesn’t get nearly the amount of publicity as some health causes, although the ice bucket challenge of a few years ago went a long way.
Glancy will be assisted by friends and knows her grandmother will be watching out for her as well.
“I feel like she’s proud of me,” said Glancy. “I enjoy doing it and knowing people are learning. It’s nice to know I’ve reached people and made a difference.”
To register for the fun run or more information, go to https://alsrun2018.wixsite.com/alsrun
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