Rowe’s Research Runners’ seventh annual One Mile Walk/Run/Roll and Reception will take place on Sunday to raise awareness and support for ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome) patients and families.
ME/CFS patients, families, friends and the public will walk, run or roll/wheel around the Pennsylvania Military Museum grounds in Boalsburg starting at 2 p.m..
Registration is $22.20/person and children under 12 are admitted free. For those unable to attend the event in person, virtual run tickets are available for $16.90.
The event will also include appearances by the Alliance of Heroic Hearts, Penn State students who dress as superheroes and princesses to encourage and inspire children and adults.
A major goal of Rowe’s Research Runners is to raise money for the Chronic Fatigue Clinic at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, which is directed by Dr. Peter Rowe. All proceeds from the event will directly support the research of Rowe and his team.
This year’s fundraising will specifically support the salary of a research assistant for two new physicians on Rowe’s team, Dr. Camille Broussard and Dr. Alba Azola. Their study will focus on on how thoracic outlet syndrome contributes to ME/CFS syndrome of fatigue, brain fog and lightheadedness with arms overhead or extended.
Previous money raised from the annual event has allowed Dr. Rowe to hire research assistants, which has directly resulted in his ability to publish several research papers and continue his work. In the past three years, a nurse and two physicians have joined the clinic team.
Rowe’s Research Runners evolved from Centre County resident Emily Steffensmeir’s desire to give back after Rowe helped her go from bedridden and homebound to a fuller life. She began to raise money each year for her birthday but in 2017, she worked with John Hopkins Children’s Center to create Rowe’s Research Runners.
In addition to raising money for ME/CFS, dysautonomia and long COVID, the event provides an opportunity for all who attend to connect, support each other and educate those who have been newly diagnosed. Newly diagnosed patients include those who have long-term lingering symptoms following a COVID infection, commonly referred to as long COVID.
ME/CFS is characterized by overwhelming fatigue that is not improved by rest and can include problems with sleep, concentration, pain and dizziness. Dysautonomia is an impairment in the autonomic nervous system that can cause a wide range of symptoms, such as problems with the regulation of heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and perspiration, lightheadedness, feeling faint or passing out.
For more information and to register for the event, visit rowesresearchrunners.org.
