MASON CITY An event to help raise funds for treatment for 9-year-old Hayden Despenas of Mason City, who has been diagnosed with a rare form of muscular dystrophy, is planned Saturday, Nov. 3, in Mason Citys Central Park.
Hayden was diagnosed in May with Friedreichs Ataxia, a rare, genetic neurodegenerative disease. Symptoms include loss of muscle strength and coordination; impaired hearing, speech and vision; scoliosis; diabetes and heart disease.
5K and 10K Haydens Hope Warrior Runs will begin at 9 a.m. and will run through the streets and historical areas in Mason City.
Individual and team sprint runs will begin at 11 a.m.
Food vendors, live music, silent auction and a kids carnival are also planned.
Smoked pork sandwiches, hamburger and hot dog meals will be sold. Drink specials will be available at downtown bars.
A silent auction will be in the ballroom of the Historic Park Inn. A raffle for a weeks stay on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina will be held.
The event was planned in part to raise awareness of Friedreichs Ataxia, as well as to raise funds for research supported by the MDA and Friedreichs Ataxia Research Alliance and to help Hayden participate in encouraging clinical trials that could have a profound impact on the progression of the disease.
The goal is to raise $25,000.
Free specialized T-shirts are included in the registration fee for the 5K and 10K races. Other T-shirts will be on sale for $10.
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Fundraiser scheduled for Hayden Despenas