Neighbor News
Progeria Research Foundation to Have Two Runners at Bos Marathon
Longtime PRF supporters Paul Michienzie of Foxboro, MA and Bryan Dempsey of Miami, FL will run the historic 26.2-mile stretch
NEWS RELEASE: For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Eleanor Maillie
978-879-9244
emaillie@progeriaresearch.org
THE PROGERIA RESEARCH FOUNDATION TO HAVE TWO RUNNERS IN 125TH BOSTON MARATHON
PEABODY, MA – On Monday, October 11th, 2021, The Progeria Research Foundation (PRF) will have two runners participate in the 125th Boston Marathon®, its first official entries as a charity partner of John Hancock. Longtime PRF supporters Paul Michienzie of Foxboro, MA and Bryan Dempsey of Miami, FL will run the historic 26.2-mile stretch on behalf of PRF. The route extends through Hopkinton, Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Brookline and Boston, MA.
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Both Paul and Bryan have a history with the Boston Marathon, as they were present with friends and family near the finish line during the tragic marathon bombing in 2013. They were 30 feet from the second explosion and have felt compelled to join the race because of their experience. Bryan has since traveled back annually, to cheer on the runners with his ‘Boston Strong’ family. He ran the Boston Marathon virtually for PRF in 2020, and this year will be his first time running it live on the streets of Boston.
In his fundraising campaign, Bryan says, “watching so many people from myriad walks of life and various levels of health cross the finish line each year, and feeling the energy, passion, and pride of the people of the City of Boston cheering on the runners has provided additional motivation. Out of tragedy, triumph. Out of hatred, love. Out of fear, courage. Love is the key ingredient, and triumph the clear mission of PRF. The courage of kids living with Progeria is unfathomable. Let’s honor that courage by donating to PRF. The money we raise to support PRF will be used to find a cure.”
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This will be Paul’s first time running the marathon live, too. His training has included the challenging Spartan Beast obstacle course. Paul says, “I’m running in memory of Sam Berns, and for every child who is coping with Progeria, to help find a cure. I’m also doing it because I’m inspired by the strength, compassion and hard work that (PRF Co-Founders) Drs. Leslie Gordon and Scott Berns exhibit each and every day on behalf of these wonderful kids. And I’m running in memory of those who died, were injured and/or survived the 2013 marathon with me.”
Audrey Gordon, President and Executive Director of PRF, can’t wait to cheer Bryan and Paul on. “We’re so thrilled to have two highly-coveted John Hancock charity entries this year, and to have Paul and Bryan running their hearts out on behalf of the children and young adults with Progeria. GO TEAM PRF!”
To donate to Bryan and Paul’s fundraising efforts, please click on the links below:
Bryan:
Paul:
About The Progeria Research Foundation
The Progeria Research Foundation (PRF) is a nonprofit organization established in 1999 by the family of Sam Berns, a child with Progeria. PRF funds and conducts research-related programs, including the clinical trials and studies that led to approval of the first-ever FDA-approved drug for Progeria, Zokinvy. PRF is the only organization in the world solely dedicated to finding treatments and the cure for Progeria and its aging related conditions, including heart disease. Due to the discovery of the biological connection between Progeria, heart disease and aging, finding the cure for one of the rarest diseases on earth could provide keys for treating millions of adults with heart disease and stroke associated with the natural aging process, as well as help the entire aging population. The organization fills a void, taking these children out of the background where they had been for more than 100 years and putting them and Progeria at the forefront of scientific efforts. PRF’s International Progeria Patient Registry includes children from 65 countries. For more information, and to support PRF’s mission, please visit www.progeriaresearch.org.
About John Hancock
Each year John Hancock donates guaranteed entries to select nonprofits, which use these entries to recruit individual runners to raise money for their cause. Last year, John Hancock-sponsored runners raised more than $10.7 million for over 140 different organizations. For over 30 years, John Hancock has been the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon. The Company’s continued support of the Boston Athletic Association, which has directed the race since 1897, ensures that the race will continue to be a world-class event and an important facet of Boston’s culture and heritage.
