Run for Nash 5k/10k, Kids Dash for Nash 2026 — Tuscola, IL

Run for Nash is a 5K and this year a 10K race with a 1/2 mile Kids Dash for Nash. The Kids Dash for Nash will be 1/2 mile long and will include color. Ribbons will be given to all Kids Dash for Nash finishers. Parents are welcome to run with their children. Male/Female awards given to 1st place overall and age group awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in male/female groups. Finisher medal given to all finishers Age groups: 9 and under 10-14 15-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60 and over This race is to help raise funds for a family who has a son diagnosed with a very rare disease ( please read their story below). The Foreman's have 5 children and are a wonderful part of our small community. This money will go directly to them and to fund research for Vanishing White Matter Disease. As an avid runner and racer myself, I personally try to run as many races as I can that support an excellent cause. If you are the same this race is for you. In October 2022 Nash was diagnosed, at the age of 8, with a very rare genetic brain disease called Vanishing White Matter disease. Nash is one of 300 people in the world with VWM and the odds of having this disease are one in 40 million. Vanishing White Matter Disease (VWM) affects the white matter, or myelin, of the brain known collectively as Leukodystrophies. VWM is an extremely rare neurological condition that destroys myelin, the brain’s white matter. In doing so, it permanently affects transmission of brain signals to the rest of the body. As the disease progresses, Nash can expect some or all of the following symptoms: loss of motor skills (walking usually goes first, followed by ability to sit unassisted, speech, use of hands, head control and ability to swallow), loss of vision, epileptic seizures, vomiting, irritability, and comas leading to death at an early age. Vanishing White Matter is a terminal disease with no cure but there is hope with the first human clinical trials taking place right now. We believe Nash will see a cure 💚 Our hope for this run is to show Nash our love and support, raise awareness of VWM, take care of our family and any financial need, and to find a cure by funding research. The Foreman's