GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (May 31, 2014) – Saturday marks the inaugural Nana’s Run, a 5k walk and run, to raise money and awareness for ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease. The run is organized in honor of Char VanderLaan, grandmother of Cassie and Sydney DeVos, who recently passed away from ALS.
Organizers expect about 1,000 runners to come out for the race, including Grand Rapids running legend Greg Meyer, and three Olympic athletes.
Proceeds from Nana’s Run will go towards the ALS Association’s Michigan Chapter and the Mercy Health Hauenstein Neuroscience Center. Paula Morning, executive director of ALS Association’s Michigan Chapter, called ALS an “orphan disease,” but said local and national efforts to research ALS is growing.
“Nana’s Run is an opportunity to continue the fight to cure and treat ALS through global, cutting edge research while empowering people with Lou Gehrig’s disease and their families to live fuller lives,” explained Morning.
Race-day registration begins at 8:30 A.M., then the 5k starts at 10 A.M. Saturday. The entry fee is $30, and only cash or check will be accepted Saturday before the event.
To see the race route or for more information see the Nana’s Run event website.
