Gilbertsville Race To Help Children With Chronic Disabilities

New Hanover United Methodist Church in Gilbertsville will host its annual “If You Build It, They Will Run” 5K Run/Walk and One-Mile Fun Run/Walk on Aug. 13. 

Registration starts at 7:15 a.m., 5K Run/Walk at 8:30 a.m. and the Fun Run/Walk at 8:35 a.m.

The proceeds from the event will benefit Happy 2 Be Home -- a new non-profit organization started by the congregation to help families provide suitable home environments for their children with chronic, long-term, multiple disabilities.

Last year’s race/walk raised more than $10,000 to help the family of Charlotte Wendel, a nine-year-old Schwenksville girl diagnosed with the rare disease paraneoplastic anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. Charlotte first showed symptoms in Dec. 2009 and spent the next year at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. She could finally move home after her house was retrofitted to accommodate her wheelchair and medical needs.

Charlotte’s experience inspired the congregation to establish Happy 2 Be Home to provide funds to create suitable home environments for other families whose children have chronic, long-term, multiple disabilities. 

The race will start and finish at New Hanover United Methodist Church, 2211 Swamp Pike, Gilbertsville. 

Register by Aug. 1 and the costs are $20 for 5K participants and $8 for the one-mile fun run/walk. After Aug. 1, costs are $25 and $10, respectively. Participants can register any time up until the start of the race. 

To register, make checks payable to “NHUMC” and put “If You Build It, They Will Run” in the memo line or apply online at  HYPERLINK "http://www.active.com" www.active.com. Mail registration to “If You Build It, They Will Run,” NHUMC, 2211 Swamp Pike, Gilbertsville, PA 19525.

Awards will be presented for the top three persons in each age category. Water will be available along the race route. Refreshments and inspirational music will be provided following the race/walk.  Participants who pre-register will receive t-shirts. 

For more information or registration forms, visit www.newhanoverumc.org, e-mail info@newhanoverumc.org or call the church office at 610-323-2353.